New Delhi: The Supreme Court has upheld a High Court judgment holding that a candidate's request for a "dua" (prayer) for electoral success cannot automatically be treated as an appeal for votes on religious grounds.
The case arose from an election challenge alleging that references to "dua" during the campaign amounted to a religious appeal prohibited under election law. The petitioner argued that such expressions were intended to influence voters through religious sentiment and therefore constituted a corrupt practice.
Rejecting the challenge, the High Court had observed that seeking blessings, good wishes, or prayers for success is distinct from soliciting votes in the name of religion. The Court emphasized that the context and substance of the communication must be examined before concluding that an electoral appeal was made on religious grounds.
Affirming the High Court's reasoning, the Supreme Court held that the mere use of the word "dua" does not amount to a request for votes based on religion. The Court noted that election law prohibits appeals that seek electoral support by invoking religious identity, faith, caste, community, or similar considerations. However, a general request for prayers or blessings, without linking it to voting behaviour, falls outside the scope of such prohibition.
The ruling reinforces the principle that allegations of corrupt electoral practices must be supported by clear evidence demonstrating an appeal for votes on prohibited grounds. Courts must distinguish between cultural or social expressions and direct electoral solicitation based on religion.
The judgment is expected to serve as an important precedent in future election disputes involving campaign speeches, public statements, and the interpretation of religious references in political discourse.