SC terms use of religion, regionalism for votes as dangerous

The Supreme Court has expressed concern about political parties using regionalism and religion to gain votes, calling it as dangerous as promoting communal divide in society. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi said that such practices threaten the unity and integrity of India.
 
The remarks came while rejecting a plea to cancel the registration of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM). The court said it would not target one party when many are guilty of similar conduct. It advised the petitioner to file a broader case focused on electoral reforms instead of singling out AIMIM.
 
The court noted that AIMIM’s constitution supports backwards and minority communities, which is allowed under the Indian Constitution. It clarified that while promoting religion in general is not illegal but seeking votes based on religion or caste violates election laws and can lead to disqualification.
 
The Delhi High Court had earlier dismissed the same petition, stating that AIMIM followed all legal rules and banning it would violate constitutional rights.