AMN
The Election Commission has asked all political parties not to seek votes in the name of religion, caste, race, community or language in any manner as it is in contravention of Supreme Court judgement.
In a letter to the Presidents, General Secretaries, Chairpersons and Conveners of all recognized national and state political parties, the commission drew their attention to recent judgement of the 7 judge Constitution Bench of Supreme Court .
The Apex Court by the majority judgement has held that any appeal to vote or to refrain from voting for a candidate on the ground of religion, caste, race, community or language would amount to corrupt practice sufficient to annul the election.
The poll panel asked political parties to inform their lower formations and party cadres and their candidates about the ruling of the Supreme Court and ask them to desist from getting any such activity. It said such appeals will also fall under the ambit of Model Code of Conduct.