होक प्रतिनिधित्व अधिनियम के तहत चुनाव लड़ने के अधिकार और चुनावी नैतिकता बनाए रखने की आवश्यकता के बीच तनाव की जांच कीजिए। क्या दोषसिद्ध अपराधियों पर आजीवन प्रतिबंध लगाया जाना चाहिए? (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए) / Examine the tension between the right to contest elections and the need to uphold electoral ethics under the Representation of the People Act. Should there be a 'lifetime ban on convicted criminals? (Answer in 250 words)

Right to contest election

1. Democratic governance is about expanding people's choice

2. Constitutional mandate of equality and political justice ensures that people can cast vote as well as contest election

However, there are certain restriction in RPA Act 1951 imposed on contesting election:

1. Section 123 of RPA Act

L denial of right to contest based on corrupt practices'

A. preaching offender acts such as Sati

B. Involved in Bribery

C. Pleading for votes through illegal means.

2. Section 8 disqualifies a sitting MP if convicted for a minimum of 2 years → bars contesting election for 6 years from release

3. Use of money and muscle power

4. Use of forged document for affidavit of property, etc.

Strengths of lifetime ban on convicted criminal

1. Promotes ethical leadership

prevents social disorder or threat to harmony.

2. Political power in hands of criminals can lead to ANARCHY

3. Reduce criminalisation of Politics

L ~46% of sitting MPs have criminal charges.

Limitation of ban on convicted criminal

1. Threat to Article 21

L protection of life and personal liberty

2. Marginalization of choices of a particular section of society.

3. leads to skewed representation of public in Parliament

The recommendation of Vohra Committee can be instrumental to deal with issue of sizing criminal-Police nexus

— Ujjwal Priyank · AIR 10