Question Q.12GS2GS2
Enumerate the salient features of Representation of People's Act, 1951. In your opinion, what amendments are needed in the Act to further the cause of free and fair elections in light of contemporary challenges. (15 marks, 250 words)
Main Body
Free and fair elections have been recognised as a base feature in the [India Gandhi v/s Narain] case 1975.
Salient features of Representation of Peoples Act 1951:
1Provides for actual conduct of elections: Administrative machinery, etc
2Gives for reaching powers to the Election commission to ensure sanctity
⇒ Power to transfer officers
3Provides for corrupt practices leading to disqualification
⇒ [Section 8] tells about publicity on bases of religion
4Power to register political parties
5Power to carry out reforms
⇒ Introduction of UVATs, SVEEP
However, certain contemporary challenges:
Rising criminalisation in politics
⇒ 48% parliamentarians with cases
⇒ (AOR)
rising role of money power
⇒ > 30/. with assets over Ser from (AOR)
Rising cases of social media pushed fake news
This call for following amendments:
1Power to deregister political parties
2Make model code of conduct a statutory provision
3Give ECI its own cadre
4Single electoral rolls all over India
5Explore use of blockchain to allow for multi-constituency voting to include annualised / NRIS.
6Alternate funding arrangement to reduce political corruption [the Indrajit Gupta]
RoPA 195 I must be timely amended.
195 words18 paragraphs
Conclusion
ROPA 1951 must be timely amended.
6 words
Topper
BHAVESH JAGLAN
AIR 1282025
Subject & Paper
GS2GS2
Topic
Salient Features of the Representation of People's Act
Elections
Representation of Peoples Act - Features and Electoral Reforms
Writing Stats
201
Total words
18
Paragraphs
analytical
Tone