New Delhi

The Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice on a plea seeking direction to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to cancel the symbol and name allotted to political parties which are using religion or carrying religious connotations in their symbols.

The plea filed by Syed Waseem Rizwi, said the petition deals with the mandate of Representation of People's Act (RPA) 1951.

The plea submitted that using religion to lure voters is strictly prohibited under section 123 of RPA citing the secular values of the Constitution.

Relying on apex court judgment in SR Bommai vs Union of India, the petitioner submitted that it was held by this court that secularism is part of the basic feature.

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After hearing arguments in the matter, the bench issued notice to ECI and secretary, Ministry of Law and Justice, returnable on October 18, and asked the petitioner's counsel to implead concerned political parties in the matter.