Political parties cannot use religion, caste and language to seek votes, rules SC

In a majority verdict, the Supreme Court held that any appeal for votes on the ground of "religion, race, caste, community or language" amounted to "corrupt practice" under the election law provision. 

Referring to the term 'his religion' used in section 123(3) of the Representation of The Peoples (RP) Act, which deals with 'corrupt practice', Chief Justice TS Thakur and three others in the 4:3 verdict said on Monday it meant the religion and caste of all including voters, candidates and their agents etc. 

However, the minority view of three judges - UU Lalit, AK Goel and DY Chandrachud - held that the term 'his' religion means religion of candidate only. 

The majority view, also shared by Justice MB Lokur, Justice SA Bobde and Justice LN Rao, said 'secularism' has to be considered while dealing with such issues.

(With inputs from PTI)