New Delhi [India], July 15: The Supreme Court on Tuesday refused to entertain a plea seeking the de-registration of Asaduddin Owaisi-led All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Musalimeen (AIMIM) as a political party, but allowed the petitioner to withdraw the case and file a broader petition seeking reforms in political party regulations.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi stated that the court would not interfere with the Delhi High Court’s earlier judgment, which had rejected a similar plea filed by Tirupati Narasimha Murari challenging AIMIM’s registration under the Representation of the People Act.
“Counsel for the petitioner seeks permission to withdraw the present petition with liberty to file a fresh writ petition in which he wishes to raise larger issues—for reforms in respect of political parties on different grounds. Permission granted,” the bench said in its order.
Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, appearing for the petitioner, had argued that AIMIM’s constitution allegedly promotes the interests of only one religious community—Muslims—violating the secular principles enshrined in the Constitution.
Justice Surya Kant, however, observed that the Constitution specifically grants protection to minorities and that expressing support for minority interests is not inherently unconstitutional.
The Delhi High Court had previously dismissed the plea in 2024, affirming that AIMIM’s foundational documents comply with legal requirements, including allegiance to the Constitution of India.
Meanwhile, on July 15, AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi criticized the Election Commission of India, alleging it was conducting an “NRC through back door” via a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections. Owaisi questioned the ECI’s authority in determining the citizenship of Indian nationals.