Supreme Court Upholds AIMIM's Registration Amid Caste Politics Concerns

Supreme Court's Stance on Political Parties and Caste

New Delhi: The Supreme Court expressed concerns regarding political parties that leverage caste for electoral gains, as it dismissed a petition aimed at revoking the registration of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM).

Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi highlighted that AIMIM's constitution aims to advocate for all marginalized groups, including minorities, aligning with constitutional principles.

The court noted, "The party claims to support all backward classes, including economically and educationally disadvantaged Muslims. This aligns with constitutional guarantees for minority rights," addressing advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, who represented the petitioner.

The bench advised Jain to withdraw his plea against a Delhi High Court ruling that had previously dismissed a challenge to AIMIM's registration by the Election Commission (EC). The court permitted the petitioner to file a broader writ petition addressing political party reforms.

Justice Kant remarked, "While there may be instances where parties exploit religious sentiments, such issues should be reported to the appropriate authorities. Political parties that depend on caste considerations pose a similar threat to national integrity, which is unacceptable. You may submit a neutral petition that raises general concerns without targeting specific parties or individuals, and we will address it."

Jain, representing petitioner Tirupati Narasimha Murari, argued that AIMIM promotes Islamic education and awareness of Sharia law.

Justice Kant responded, "What is wrong with that? Promoting Islamic education is not objectionable. We encourage more political entities to establish educational institutions in our country."

Jain claimed discrimination, suggesting that if he sought to register a party with a Hindu name and proposed teaching Vedic texts, his application would be denied.

The bench countered, stating, "If the EC objects to teaching Vedic texts or any religious scriptures, you should approach the appropriate forum. There is no legal prohibition against studying our historical texts or literature."

Justice Kant further clarified that while promoting untouchability would be unacceptable and warrant a ban, teaching a religious law protected by the Constitution is permissible.

He stated, "If a political party wishes to teach a religious law that is constitutionally protected, it is allowed to do so, as it falls within constitutional boundaries."

On January 16, the Delhi High Court had rejected the plea against AIMIM's registration, affirming that the party met all legal requirements.

The court concurred with a previous ruling that deemed the petition meritless and an infringement on the fundamental rights of AIMIM members to form a political party based on their beliefs.