Ban politicians with criminal past from contesting polls: EC appeals SC

New Delhi: The Election Commission on Monday appealed before the Supreme Court that the politicians having criminal past should be banned from contesting elections for lifetime.

The commission also proposed that the trial of the criminal case against the politicians should be finalised within a year.

It may be mentioned that according to the current laws, a politico, if found guilty in any criminal case, suffers six year ban from contesting elections after completing the imprisonment period.

EC filed an affidavit in the SC that to ensure fair elections, there is a need for a rule to stop the politicians from contesting elections who have served two or more years in jail.

Also Read: HC asks UP govt to reveal plans for quick finishing of trials against MPs, MLAs

Reacting over the PIL filed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ashwini Upadhyay, EC put its stand over the issue before the apex court. They commission also informed that it has submitted its proposal with the government for the same.

The proposal includes reforms like crime-free politics, recognising corruption as serious offence, ban on paid news and removal of advertisements before 48 hours from polling.

It pointed out that most of the reforms have been approved by the law department and are under consideration at the Centre.

Ashwini Upadhyay, in his PIL, has also appealed to specify maximum age and minimum educational qualification for contesting the elections. The EC, however, has mentioned that setting maximum age and minimum educational qualification comes under the purview of the legislature and need amendment in the constitution to be implemented.