Question 14.GS2GS2

Examine the tension between the right to contest elections and the need to uphold electoral ethics under the Representation of the People's Act. Should there be a lifetime ban on convicted criminals? (Answer in 250 words)

Open scan (p.35)

Answer Strengths Gaps Keywords

Introduction

Supreme Court is hearing a case filed petitioning for lifetime ban on convicted criminals for contesting elections.

17 words

Main Body

Supreme Court is hearing a case filed petitioning for lifetime ban on convicted criminals for contesting elections.

Article 386, Part XVIII

Right to contest elections → principle of 'republic' where all elected offices open for citizens

Eligibility based on Constitution and RPAs, 1951

However, there is a tension between right to contest elections and need to uphold electoral ethics

Upholding electoral ethics:

1Representatives should be of high moral-ethical values - to serve purpose of substantial democracy

2Law violators can't be expected to be law makers.

3Needed to maintain public trust in State institutions → Trust-based governance

4Country should be governed by those who can be held responsible for their acts

5Must reduce criminalization of politics

Lifetime ban on convicted criminals from contesting elections?

Currently, convicted criminals getting more than 2 years of imprisonment can't contest elections till 6 years after coming out of jail.

Arguments for:

1People deserve - ethical governance; reform not punish

ethical governance | reform not punish

2Broken window theory should not be promoted

3Will encourage entry of criminals into politics

4Lily Thomas case judgement clearly stated no delay suspension

5Promotes clean image politics.

Arguments against:

1Punishment is to deter

2Sometimes, second chances are needed

3May be decided by people themselves

4Right to contest elections is constitutional rights

5Parameters other than those defined should not be taken into account

lifetime ban on convicted criminals especially for those involved in heinous crime can be an option. This will surely further the principle of 'politics with morality'

— Ananya Rana · AIR 60

264 words8 paragraphs

Conclusion

lifetime ban on convicted criminals especially for those involved in heinous crime can be an option. This will surely further the principle of 'politics with morality'

26 words

Diagram

Right to contest elections framework showing: Article 386 Part XVIII; principle of 'republic' where all elected offices open; Eligibility based on Constitution and RPA, 1951

Clear identification of the tension between rights and ethics
Proper reference to constitutional provisions
Acknowledges the ongoing Supreme Court case
Provides multiple dimensions of electoral ethics
Gives current legal position (2 years imprisonment rule)
Begins to present balanced arguments
Presents balanced arguments for and against
References important case law (Lily Thomas)
Uses relevant concepts (broken window theory)
Nuanced conclusion proposing conditional lifetime ban

Open original scan

Page 35

Steal this copy's techniques PremiumAI pulls out the reusable moves — pick the ones you want as flashcards

Compare my answer PremiumSee where this topper beats you

Topper

Ananya Rana

AIR 602025

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Representation of People's Act

Electoral Reforms

Lifetime Ban on Convicted Criminals

Writing Stats

307

Total words

Paragraphs

analytical

Tone

Linked PYQ

6. (a) भारतीयस्थापत्यकलायाः प्रमुखभेदान् प्रदर्श्य कस्याप्येकस्य प्रभेदस्य वैशिष्ट्यं सोदाहरणं 250 शब्देषु प्रतिपाद्यताम्। 20 Showing main types of Indian architectural art, explain with apt illustrations the peculiarities of any one of them in about 250 words. (b) जैनाभिमतस्य स्याद्वादसिद्धान्तस्य स्वरूपं प्रदर्श्य दर्शनक्षेत्रे तस्योपयोगित्वं 250 शब्दैश्चैव निर्णेयम्। 15 Explaining the nature of Syādvāda as propounded by the Jainas, examine its utility in the field of philosophy within 250 words. (c) प्राचीनभारते आयुर्वेदस्य विकासमधिकृत्य 250 शब्देषु स्वकीयान् विचारान् प्रकटयत। 15 Give your opinion within 250 words on the development of Ayurveda in ancient India.

50M2013प्रतिपाद्यताम्