Plea to ban caste based rallies: Allahabad High Court seeks response from 4 political parties

The Allahabad High Court on March 18 issued fresh notice to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress Party, Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party on a public interest litigation (PIL) petition seeking a complete ban on caste-based rallies [Moti Lal Yadav v CEC & Ors]..The PIL filed by one Moti Lal Yadav in 2013 has sought a complete ban on all political parties that are involved in organising caste rallies. The plea has further sought delisting of all such political parties.Chief Justice Arun Bhansali and Justice Jaspreet Singh noted that notice was issued to the respondents earlier too and sufficient time had been granted to them to file their replies. Nevertheless, the Court granted one last opportunity to the political parties to file their responses."Notice was issued to the respondent nos. 5 to 8 in pursuance of the order dated 11.11.2022 have not been served to the said respondents. Issue fresh notice to the said respondents nos. 5 to 8, returnable at an early date. Steps shall be taken within a week," the Court directed..In March last year, the Election Commission of India (ECI) had submitted an affidavit before the High Court stating that it has no jurisdiction to ban caste-based rallies organised by political parties during the non-election period.The ECI had further informed the Court that it has formulated a set of strict rules which prohibit electioneering along communal lines or seeking votes on the basis of caste, creed or religion. However, violation of the same cannot be dealt with by the ECI outside the election period.The affidavit added that the poll body can take action against delinquent political parties, contesting candidates and their agents who make appeals on caste lines in their election campaigns only during the election period, after the Model Code of Conduct kicks in, and till the completion of polls, but not after this period ends.The matter will be taken up next on April 10.Petitioner Moti Lal Yadav appeared in person.Central Government Standing Counsel, Additional Solicitor General, advocates Kaushlendra Yadav and OP Srivastava appeared for respondents..[Read Order]