AR

Ananya RanaAIR 60· 2025

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)

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AnswerStrengthsGapsKeywords

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 electionsprinciple 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'

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

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Page 35

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

8

Paragraphs

analytical

Tone