During the hearing before the Supreme Court on Friday, the bench said that it is settled position of law that there can be no appeal for votes based on religion.
Kejriwal’s counsel argued that he had invoked any religion but had only used the word ‘Khuda’ (God).
“Are you saying God cannot be related to a particular religion?” Justice Nagarathna asked.
To this, Singhvi replied that Khuda cannot be attributed to God of Muslims alone as was the allegation in the present case.
“Khuda is used for God not of a particular religion. (It was) not an appeal to Muslims,” he said.
For an offence to lie, the use of such a word must be followed by some vilification to show intent, Singhvi contended.
“Here there is no elaboration or continuity,” he added.
“Why would somebody holding the office of CM make such a statement … We are intrigued. God will not forgive if you vote for BJP, saying this in a secular country! First of all, God does not need anyone’s protection,” Justice Joseph said.
[Follow our live-coverage of the hearing]
Source: Barandbench
