<b>Letters</b>: Finding a balance

The fundamental principle of democracy should be that the people's mandate is respected

Apropos the editorial, “In defence of secularism” (January 4), the majority judgment by the Supreme Court has expanded the interpretation of Section 123(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Thus, an appeal by poll candidates based on voters’ religious, linguistic or caste identity could now be considered a corrupt practice. 

The dissenting judgment, on the other hand, asserts that religion, caste and languages are social realities, which are recognised and acknowledged in the Constitution, and states that it would not be appropriate to prohibit candidates from speaking of the legitimate concerns and aspirations of various religious, social and