Enumerate the salient features of Representation of People's Act, 1951. In your opinion, what amendments are needed in the Act to further the cause of free and fair elections in light of contemporary challenges.

With an expenditure of 35 lakh crore, Indian elections in 16th Lok Sabha became the most expensive elections in the World. ADR Features of Representation of Peoples Act 1951 1. Qualification & disqualification procedure for MPs & MLAs → includes disqualified if → state speeches & polarization → social crimes are sali → failure to submit election expenditure. 2. Delimitation of constituencies & related rules. 3. Administrative structure of election. 4. Discusses responsibilities for various players. 5. No. of seats and allocation to states. 6. Qualifications for electoral roll → Role of money & muscle power in elections Current challenges in election → Rs 1400 / voter spent → Vertical integration of criminal → Mandi Phenomena Rig CJI said abuse trading was absolutely → disqualifies election → Influence of technology, digital media & misinformation, targeting, propaganda Rig Cambridge Analytica → Role of conscience Rig IPAC Reform needed in ECI & RPAS! (1) Need to be updated keeping in

digital media & technology. Rig deepfakes 2) Influence of money power to be seduce through → four civic electoral fund as suggested by ICY Quereen 3) Disqualification criteria needs to be amended → SC said now can a person stand in elections from all, if one case rate → 42y, criminals with 5y, convicts in current parliament. 4) Internal reservation for women in political parties to be introduced → for capacity building till new state vinden implemented Elections are the festival of democracy & with 100 crore registered votes & successful election → India truly becomes 'mother of Democracy'.

— Ria Kaur Sethi · AIR 89