Madras High Court Seeks Election Commission Oversight on 'Corrupt' Voting Practices

The Madras High Court has ordered the Election Commission of India to respond to a petition by Rajesh Anouar Mahimaidoss. The petition calls for an independent commission to curb the practice of seeking votes through religion, caste, and language, fulfilling a Supreme Court judgment from 2017.

The Madras High Court has mandated a response from the Election Commission of India regarding a petition filed by advocate Rajesh Anouar Mahimaidoss. The petition demands the formation of an independent commission, consisting of retired judges and human rights activists, to oversee and curb the 'corrupt' practice of soliciting votes using religion, caste, and language.

A division bench, featuring Acting Chief Justice R Mahadevan and Justice Mohamed Shafiq, scheduled the hearing for six weeks later. The petitioner referenced a 2017 Supreme Court judgment which classified seeking votes on these grounds as corrupt practice.

Mahimaidoss urged the Election Commission to educate the public and their representatives about the Constitution's preamble, the 2017 Supreme Court judgment, and Section 123 (3) of the Representation of People Act, which addresses corrupt practices. Despite existing legal frameworks, the issue persists as political parties continue to exploit these divisions for electoral gains, contravening constitutional values.