HC bans caste-based rallies in UP

The Allahabad High Court on Thursday ordered a ban on caste-based rallies across Uttar Pradesh. “We stay caste-based rallies throughout the state of UP,” the Lucknow Bench of the court, comprising judges Uma Nath Singh and Mahendra Dayal said on a public interest suit filed by a local lawyer, Motilal Yadav.

The Bench issued notices to the central and state governments, EC, the Congress, BJP, SP and BSP, which have been made respondents in the PIL.

The ruling comes against the backdrop of BSP recently organising a Brahmin Bhaichara Sammelan, including a rally addressed by party supremo Mayawati in Lucknow. SP had organised a similar event recently.