Allahabad High Court Directs Centre, UP Govt to Clarify Stand on Caste-Based Rallies

The PIL was filed in 2013. The court had then put an interim ban on organizing caste-based rallies with political motives in Uttar Pradesh. In 2023, the Election Commission of India (ECI) submitted that it has no jurisdiction to restrict political parties from convening rallies on caste lines during a non-election period.

"The plenary powers enjoyed by the Answering Respondent (ECI) under Article 324 of the Constitution is only with respect to conduct of elections...the Model Code of Conduct is applicable only during the period of election...The provision of the Model Code of Conduct cannot be invoked outside this period," ECI stated in its counter affidavit.

In his petition, Yadav had stated that the ECI, which has been empowered and assigned the duty of framing rules in order to ensure fair elections, had failed to carry out the mandate of law, therefore, it may be directed to frame rules for controlling the political parties from influencing the voters on the basis of caste and religion.

In its order dated September 3, 2025, the court emphasized the need for clarity from both the central and state governments on a matter that has significant implications for political discourse and social harmony.

The court's order mandates the Union of India to submit its response to the petition, specifically outlining its position on the legality and permissibility of rallies based on caste. Simultaneously, the Uttar Pradesh government has been instructed to file a detailed affidavit expressing its own stand on the matter. The state government’s affidavit must also include a report on how it has complied with a previous interim order passed by the court on July 11, 2013, indicating the long-standing nature of the court's engagement with this issue.

During the proceedings, the petitioner, Moti Lal Yadav, appeared in person and was also represented by his counsel, Rajat Rajan Singh. The respondents, including the Election Commission and the State, were represented by a team of lawyers.

Court has directed the petitioner to provide copies of the case pleadings to Shri Ashwini Kumar Singh, the counsel for the Union of India, to facilitate the government’s response.

Expressing concern over the prolonged pendency of the case, the bench issued a stern warning to the concerned parties. The order specifically notes that the court would be "compelled to summon the concerned Officers" if the matter is not expedited.

Court entrusted Shri Anand Singh, the Standing Counsel, with the responsibility of ensuring the directives are followed and the case moves forward without further delay.

Court scheduled the next hearing for the second week of October 2025, directing that the case be listed among the 'top 10 cases of the day' to ensure it receives priority attention. 

Case Title: Moti Lal Yadav vs UOI and 2 Others

Order Date: September 3, 2025

Bench: Justices Rajan Roy and Manjive Shukla