“There is a need for simplification of procedure for disqualification of persons found guilty of corrupt practices under the Representation of Peoples Act”. Comment.

Section 123 → Promotion of hate, animosity among people on the basis of caste, religion etc (eg) Abhiram Singh case → Promoting social evils → dowary, sati, domestic violence etc → Corruption and misuse of govt machinery for political gains → booth capturing, vote rigging and undue influence on voters

→ Violating MCC, 48hr silence period, false affidavit to EC

Section 8(1) → prohibit persons convicted under PCA, UAPA, Sati Act Section 8(2) → prohibit for dowry Section 9 → stakes in govt contracts, corruption, bribery etc. Sec 8(3) → convicted for 2yr +

Challenges → a) Blatant violations → hate speeches b) Low conviction rates → 46% criminalisation in Lok Sabha c) Expenditure limits not adhered → 17th Lok Sabha → 8000 cr + d) Powers of EC limited → can't penalise violation e) Biasness allegation on EC → Jharkhand CM case. f) malpractices such as booth capture still prevalent (eg Vellore case). g) misuse of political powers by ruling parties to garner votes h) Low & infrequent actions against violating candidates

Measures

1. State funding of elections for clean elections (Indrajit Gupta C)
2. Empower EC to penalise violation (Dinesh Goswami)
3. Fast track courts to expedite cases of crimes by MPs
4. Penal provision for false disclosure of assets, criminal records
5. Parties & candidates under RTI
6. MCC legalisation → NCRWC
7. Strict checks on hate speech → bring law for lifetime ban on candidates