In a significant development, the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has issued a fresh notice to four major political parties – the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Samajwadi Party (SP), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and the Congress – on a plea related to the ban on caste-based rallies.
The court directed to list the matter for the next hearing on April 10, signaling a crucial legal battle ahead. The decision came in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition filed by a local lawyer, Moti Lal Yadav, in 2013.
The petitioner has sought directives from the court to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to derecognize political parties that organize caste-based rallies, arguing that such events should be banned, especially during election seasons.
The order was passed by a division bench comprising Chief Justice Arun Bhansali and Justice Jaspreet Singh on March 18, 2024. The court also granted a last chance to the counsel for the Union of India to file a reply, noting that the plea has been pending for several years without a response from the Centre.
“It’s imperative to address the issue of caste-based politics, especially during elections, which often exacerbates social tensions and divides,” remarked Yadav, the petitioner.
Yadav’s plea included political parties such as the BJP, SP, BSP, and Congress, as well as both the state and central governments, along with the ECI, as respondents.
During the proceedings, the court was informed that the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the state government had already filed their counter affidavits (replies to the plea) in the matter.
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This notice has reignited the debate on the role of caste in Indian politics and the extent to which it should influence electoral processes. It also underscores the judiciary’s role in addressing issues of social justice and ensuring fair and transparent elections.
With the next hearing scheduled for April 10, all eyes will be on the Allahabad High Court as it deliberates on this crucial matter that has far-reaching implications for India’s political landscape.
For now, the political parties involved have yet to respond officially to the court’s notice, leaving room for speculation on their stance regarding the contentious issue of caste-based rallies.
