Legislation to Prohibit Candidates from contesting election

In the case of Public Interest Foundation and others vs. Union of India, A division bench of Justices N. Kirubakaran and V.M. Velumani made observations and gave directions to the Central Government to produce records of persons with Criminal Background, who are part of political parties,  contesting elections and are even the policymakers bearing top positions in government offices.

The Court asked Central Government to make comprehensive legislation to prohibit and restrict persons with criminal background from contesting elections to Parliament, State Legislature and other local bodies. Our country needs political leaders who encourage a peaceful state and not those who encourage criminal activities in the state. Leaders with a criminal background may give a wrong influence on the public and maybe a reason for the chaos in the state and this needs to be stopped. India as a democratic country can be a huge risk if handed over to leaders with criminal backgrounds.

Author: Muskan Dosar, ICFAI Dehradun