SC issues notice to poll body on plea against political speeches with references to religion, caste
The petitioner sought a direction to the Election Commission to take action against party spokespersons who make such remarks.
The Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to the Election Commission on a petition seeking action against spokespersons and representatives of parties who deliver speeches or make remarks pertaining to a religion or caste, Bar and Bench reported.
A bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi sought the poll body’s response by April 15, according to ANI. The petition was filed by Harpreet Mansukhani, a non-resident Indian from Sharjah.
The petitioner sought a direction to the poll body to take strict action against political parties if their spokespersons deliver speeches with mention of religion or caste. The plea also sought a committee to be set up under a former Supreme Court judge to keep an eye on the election process and to check the fairness of the Election Commission.
The plea sought a direction to the poll body to submit a report on the measures adopted to conduct elections free of corruption and to take action against media houses that use remarks on caste or religion on debate shows.