The PIL challenges constitutional validity of Sections 8 & 9 of Representation of People Act, 1951 to prevent criminals from re-entering politics.
- Representation of People Act bars disqualifies person convicted of a criminal offense and sentenced to imprisonment for not less than 2 years and 6 years after release.
Criminalization of Politics
- Criminalization of politics refers to the increasing involvement of individuals with criminal backgrounds in the political system.
- According to Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR)
- 251 (46%) of the 543 elected MPs in 2024, have criminal cases against them,
- 171 (31%) face serious criminal charges including rape, murder, kidnapping etc.
- The chances of winning for a candidate with a criminal background were 15.4% as against just 4.4% for a candidate with a clean background.
- 251 (46%) of the 543 elected MPs in 2024, have criminal cases against them,
Impact
- Economic: Use of black money in elections and indirect promotion of crony capitalism.
- Social: Focus on maximizing financial and muscle power impacts the cause of social welfare, promotes culture of violence and social disharmony.
- Political: It promotes freebies (Rewdi culture), vote bribery and undermines principles of Free and Fair Elections and good governance.
Related SC Judgments
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