Examine the significance of Representation of People's Act, 1951 in maintaining the sanctity of electoral politics in India. In light of recent events, evaluate the demands of Election Commission of India for redressal. (15 marks, 250 words)

The Representation of People's Act, 1951 is aimed at specifying the qualification, disqualification for electoral candidates and various electoral malpractices.

It is significant in maintaining the sanctity of electoral politics in India, as → .

Disqualification of candidates → The power rests with President / Governor, upon recommendation by ECI.

Mandatory declaration of assets → Makes an attempt of making the representatives accountable on.

Discriminalization of politics → By disqualifying convicted candidate from the elections.

Criminalising hate speech, anti-secular speeches, etc.

However, despite these, there exist further scope to strengthen law as demanded by ECI –

1. Power to ECI to disregister political parties.

2. Power to criminalize bribery of voters.

3. Regulation of digital media electoral campaigning – as by the Act.

4. Penalizing paid promotion.

5. It criminalize filings by the candidates.

By incorporating these demands of ECI, the election process can be made further acredible. Other reforms such as state funding of election, collegium system to appoint ECI members, indiscriminate offer of freebus during campaigning should be evaluated, as suggested by expert.

— GAURAV OJHA · AIR 204