AS

Annapurna Singh· 2023

Question Q.1GS2GS2

जन प्रतिनिधित्व अधिनियम, 1951 की धारा 8 में विनिर्दिष्ट निरर्हताओं में उपस्थित अस्पष्टता का समाधान कैसे किया जाए? (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिये) 10 अंक। There is a need to resolve the ambiguity in the disqualification provisions under section 8 of the Representation of People Act 1951. Discuss. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks.

Open scan (p.1)

Main Body

Section 8 of Representation of People Act 1952 deals with disqualification of MPs & MLAs

Recently applied on Rahul Gandhi under RPA 1951 - 8(h), 8A - corrupt practices

Need of ambiguity in provision

1Vertical ambiguity - as it doesn't clearly lay down specific guidelines
2Contextually silent on re-election providing dichotomy to ECI.

(2.1) L based on appeal of candidate's

(2.2) L also doesn't specify time limit

3Procedural ambiguity on subjaceing

[En] - 2 years conviction can lead to disqualification, doesn't exist of proportionality

[En] ECI can subjectively reduce term, like SIKKEM CM (6 yrs to 13 months)

4Immediate disqualification may lead to political ambiguity L(Lilly Thomas case)

NEED to resolve:

1To ensure clear guidelines on disqualification with definition of time limits
2To reduce judicial pressure due to litigations & appeals (Law Comm: 254 Repo)
3To strengthen public judgement as elected MP/MLA are democratically elected, so ambigious disqualification harms this
4To prevent misuse of law & against opposition, 'Dissent as safety value of democracy'

So at the same time, strengthening the act to ensure decriminalization of politics by compulsory disqualification (2nd ARC) for heinous crimes etc. This is the way forward.

"Constitution is a living document" was cited by Justice D.Y Chandrachud.

The life in this document, however, is provided by constitutionalism

Constitution as mere skeleton:

1. Written materia gives in rigidity in certain basic frameworks.

[Ex] - Basic structure skeleton as found in Keshavananda Bharti case

2. Foundation base over which dynamic interpretation occurs

[En] - Article - 21: Right to Life as Fundamental right (ARK Gopalan case vs Menaka Gandhi case)

3. Skeleton of ideals of constitutional forefathers

4. Borrowed tones from several source

[Ex] - Justice - for USSR

Liberty - France

Structural aspects - GOI 1935

however,

constitutionalism is the soul of democracy

Democracy | Constitutionalism

1upholds participation by Right to equality to vote (A25) & to contest

for the people (2) allows wider interpretation to serve public [Right to health (Right to Life)

Menaka Gandhi case]

of the people (3) allows basic tenets of trust in democracy by principle of separation of power (Ram Saraswamy case)

principle of <-- counsable legislation (to protect FR & DPSP)

constitution too was a soul in itself as (B.R Ambedkar) stated in Granmat & marching speech constitutional morality with its ideals should be the nation's guiding light.

397 words20 paragraphs

Conclusion

So at the same time, strengthening the act to ensure decriminalization of politics by compulsory disqualification (2nd ARC) for heinous crimes etc. This is the way forward. Constitution too was a soul in itself as (B.R Ambedkar) stated in Granmat & marching speech constitutional morality with its ideals should be the nation's guiding light.

54 words

Diagram

A diagram showing the relationship between Democracy, Constitutionalism, and features of the people - divided into two columns with specific points about participation, interpretation, and principles of separation of power

  • Clearly identifies three types of ambiguity: vertical, contextual, and procedural
  • Provides specific examples and case studies
  • Offers concrete solutions with reference to Law Commission recommendations
  • Connects to democratic principles and public welfare
  • Mentions both strengthening and preventing misuse of law
  • Uses comparative table effectively to contrast Democracy vs Constitutionalism
  • Integrates key judicial precedents to support arguments
  • Connects constitutional provisions to real-world applications
  • References B.R Ambedkar's vision for constitutional morality
  • Clearly distinguishes between skeletal structure and living soul

Topper

Annapurna Singh

2023

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Salient Features of the Representation of People's Act

Corrupt Practices

Section 8 Disqualification Provisions Ambiguity

Writing Stats

451

Total words

20

Paragraphs

Analytical and structured with comparative approach

Tone