The Election Commission on Monday placed a temporary ban on election campaigning by Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath and BSP supremo Mayawati for violating the model code of conduct.

While Yogi Adityanath has been barred from campaigning, in the form of public meetings, road shows or media interviews, for the next three days from April 16 (6am), Mayawati has been barred for 48 hours.

Mayawati was issued the notice for her speech in Deoband appealing to Muslims to not vote for a particular party. The BSP chief had prima facie violated the model code of conduct, the poll panel found.

Adityanath was served the notice for his "Ali" and "Bajrang Bali" remarks while addressing a rally in Meerut.

The Election Commission action came after the Supreme Court pulled the poll body for failing to act against political leaders making heat speeches.

Taking note of the speeches made by BSP supremo Mayawati and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during poll campaign, the Supreme Court on Monday sought to know from the Election Commission the action initiated against them so far.

The bench, headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, even summoned a representative of the Election Commission for Tuesday (April 16) while agreeing to examine the poll panel's contention that it has limited legal power to deal with hate speeches of politicians during electioneering.

"The EC says they are toothless. They say they first issue notice, then advisory and then complain," the bench said, and added it will examine the aspect relating to poll panel's power to deal with hate speeches during poll campaign.

While hearing a PIL seeking strict action against political parties for religion and caste-based remarks made by their members, the Supreme Court had said the poll body was duty-bound to take action and cannot sleep over such issues.

READ | SC raps EC for failing to act against Mayawati, Yogi; to discuss ambit of power

WATCH | We want both Ali and Bajrang Bali, says BSP chief Mayawati