Caste-Based Politics As Dangerous as Religion-Based: SC

• Supreme Court refuses to cancel AIMIM’s registration, says its aims are constitutional.

• Court compares caste-based politics to religion-based ones, calls both equally dangerous.

• Petitioner advised to file a broader plea seeking general reforms in party registration norms.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 15th July: The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to entertain a plea seeking the cancellation of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen’s (AIMIM) registration, observing that political parties relying on caste-based or religion-based considerations are equally dangerous for the nation. However, it clarified that AIMIM’s stated objectives are not in conflict with the Constitution.

A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi was hearing a plea filed by petitioner Tirupati Narasimha Murari, represented by advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, challenging AIMIM’s recognition by the Election Commission.

The court observed that AIMIM’s constitution mentions its aim to work for all backward sections of society, including minorities, a goal endorsed by the Indian Constitution. “There are certain rights guaranteed to minorities under the Constitution and the party’s political manifesto states it works for the protection of those rights,” the bench noted.

When Jain alleged that the AIMIM promotes Islamic education and Sharia law, Justice Kant responded, “Teaching Islamic education is not wrong… We will welcome if political parties set up more educational institutions.” He added that if any political party promotes untouchability, it would be unconstitutional and must be banned, but teaching protected religious laws is not objectionable.

The court advised the petitioner to withdraw the plea and instead file a broader, neutral petition for electoral reforms. “There are grey areas. Some parties do misuse religion or caste, but a general plea addressing the systemic issue would be more appropriate,” the bench said.

Earlier this year, the Delhi High Court had dismissed the plea, stating that AIMIM met all legal requirements for registration and that challenging its recognition would interfere with the party members’ fundamental right to form a political party and espouse their beliefs.