SC ruling "clashes" with Hindutva verdict, says Owaisi
January 02, 2017  23:50
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The Supreme Court's ruling, which says seeking votes in the name of "religion" amounts to "corrupt practice", "clashes" with the Hindutva as "a way of life" verdict delivered by Justice J S Verma, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief Asaduddin Owaisi said on Monday.
In a majority verdict, the Supreme Court held that any appeal for votes on the ground of "religion, race, caste, community or language" amounted to "corrupt practice" under the election laws.
"Justice J S Verma, in the Manohar Joshi case, defined Hindutva as a way of life in 1995. This point has not been considered here and as such parties contesting polls on Hindutva plank can take a stand that they are seeking votes on the basis of (concept of) way of life and not on religion," Owaisi told reporters in Maharashtra's Aurangabad when asked to react on the verdict.
"The Supreme Court has added a few things under Section 123 of The Representation of People Act but this judgement may clash with the Hindutva verdict as saffron parties can contend they are not seeking votes on the basis of religion," said the Lok Sabha MP from Hyderabad.
The AIMIM leader, however, clarified he had not yet gone through the entire apex court judgement.

Replying to a question, Owaisi said he is not disappointed by the judgement but was expecting the bench to review Justice Verma's verdict.

To another query, the 47-year-old MP said, "Ours is a participatory form of democracy and it is seen that minority representation is not sufficient. For 14 per cent Muslims, there are only 23 MPs whereas the number should be 60." 
"Representation should be given to minorities at all levels, including local bodies, Assembly and Parliament," said Owaisi.
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