The Representation of the People Acts, which serve as the foundation for clean electoral democracy, require relevant amendments to address contemporary challenges. Discuss with the help of relevant case laws.

Representation of People's Act have been brought both an aim to ensure free & fair elections in the country. Representation of People Act RoPA as Foundation of clean democracy (1) RoPA 1950 - ensure qualification similar for the voters, timely updation of electoral rolls & ensure fairness (2) RoPA 1951 - deal with actual conduct of elections, providing for qualification of candidates, regulation of parties => fair election field. But the above acts call for amendments too.

Contemporary challenges (1) Criminalization of politics: In 18th Lok Sabha 45% MPs have criminal cases against them AIOR. (2) Issue of rising Money Power & Freebies. There lacks any limit on expenditure by the Parties. (3) Social media use, vize in fake news & paid news, raising issue of fairness => issue of accountability. (4) Lack of re-presentation of women candidates only 11% in the present lse. (5) Also use of religion, language cart, are issue to garner votes & influence (selim attence 2020)

Way Ahead: (1) Strict implementation of Iudhiman Case Judgement, under Sec 8(4) RoPA Sec 1 => to allow immediate disqualification on conviction. (2) Empower the Election Commission of India under Sec 8 to cancel falls in case of countermanding elections. (3) Amendments be made to Sec 123 to include used fake news & paid news as tools to influence voters. But above all important to awake the voters, here ECI initiative Julie EVGIL SWEEP can help.