National

SC Requests Response from Centre and ECI on Lifetime Ban for Convicted MPs/MLAs from Contesting Elections

Published

2 years ago

February 10, 2025

On Monday, the Supreme Court requested responses from the Central Government and the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding a public interest litigation filed in 2016. This plea challenges the constitutional validity of Sections 8 and 9 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, with the aim of permanently disqualifying convicted lawmakers—both at the parliamentary and state levels—from contesting elections.Under current law, a lawmaker loses their membership in Parliament or the state legislature upon conviction and remains disqualified from running for elections for six years following the completion of their sentence.

The notice regarding this public interest litigation was first issued on September 14, 2016.

A bench comprising Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice Manmohan directed the Central Government to submit its response, warning that the court might proceed to rule on the matter without a government reply. The ECI was also asked to respond to the petition filed by advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay.

The bench invited Attorney General R. Venkataramani to assist in the hearing.

Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, details the disqualification and removal of lawmakers upon conviction under various statutes, including the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, which penalizes the promotion and practice of “untouchability.” Section 9 of the Act states that individuals dismissed from government service for corruption or disloyalty to the state face disqualification for five years from their date of dismissal.

Regarding the expedited handling of criminal cases against lawmakers, the bench noted that it would not be appropriate for a two-judge panel to re-examine the matter since a three-judge bench had already issued a ruling on it on November 9, 2023. However, they instructed the registry to present the issue of speeding up criminal case resolutions to the Chief Justice of India for consideration by a larger bench.

The case is set to be heard again in three weeks, on March 4, with the Supreme Court indicating that it would decide on the lifetime disqualification of convicted politicians from elections.

The top court is addressing the PIL filed by advocate Ashwini Upadhyay, which seeks to implement lifelong disqualification for convicted Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs), alongside a request for a one-year deadline for resolving criminal cases against government members.

During the proceedings, senior advocate Vijay Hansaria, serving as amicus curiae, highlighted significant obstacles, including special MP/MLA courts dealing with other cases, frequent adjournments, and insufficient enforcement of procedural rules.

Senior advocate Vikas Singh, representing the petitioner, urged the court to restrict the re-entry of convicted individuals into politics. He emphasized that permitting those found guilty of serious crimes to re-enter politics after short sentences undermines the integrity of democracy. Singh criticized political parties for persistently nominating candidates with criminal backgrounds.

He remarked, “Our democracy has evolved over 75 years; yet, 46-48 percent of elected representatives face severe charges, including rape and murder. Parliament could not have intended for such individuals to hold power.”

Related Topics:Central Government Election Commission of India Supreme Court

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National

Couple Uses Dupatta to Rescue Biker from Flash Flood

Published

5 days ago

September 1, 2026

Namma Kudla

National: A family in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba risked their lives to rescue a biker trapped in a flash flood following heavy rainfall.

The incident occurred on the Kakiara-Tunuhatti road in the Bharmala area of Bhatiyat. Heavy rain caused water to flood the road, creating a strong and dangerous current.

The biker struggled to stay safe as he was caught in the fast-flowing water. Two women, including a newlywed woman, quickly used a dupatta as a makeshift rope to rescue him.

The biker held onto the dupatta while the family members pulled him towards safety. Another person also joined the rescue effort.

A video of the incident has gone viral on social media. The family’s courage and quick thinking have received widespread praise online.

National

Two Arrested for Alleged Assault on Minor Girl in Moving Bus

Published

6 days ago

August 31, 2026

Namma Kudla

Noida: Two men, including a bus driver and conductor, have been arrested for allegedly gang-raping a 16-year-old girl on a moving sleeper bus in Greater Noida.

Police said the incident occurred on August 4 when the girl boarded an empty bus while travelling to Noida Sector 63.

The accused allegedly assaulted the girl and later abandoned her near Kashmere Gate in Delhi, around 40 kilometres away.

Following the survivor’s complaint, police launched an investigation and arrested both accused from Timarpur in North Delhi.

The bus has been seized, and CCTV footage and forensic evidence are being examined.

Further investigation is underway.

National

21-Year-Old Model Murdered Inside Home, Gym Trainer Accused

Published

1 week ago

August 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: A 21-year-old woman was allegedly stabbed to death inside her home in West Delhi on Wednesday. The police suspect her gym trainer, identified as Imran, in the case.

The victim, identified as Muskan, was a student and model. She was reportedly alone at her home on the second floor of a building in Tilak Nagar when the incident took place.

According to the police, Imran allegedly attacked Muskan with a knife. He then fled from the spot.

Neighbours heard Muskan’s screams and rushed to her house. They found her lying in a pool of blood.

The neighbours immediately took her to a nearby hospital. However, she died while undergoing treatment.

Police teams have launched a search for the accused. Investigators are also checking CCTV footage from the area to trace his movements.

Muskan’s friend Aman said she was the youngest of three sisters. He said her elder sister, who is in Chandigarh, called him after learning about the attack.

Aman said he immediately asked another friend to reach the house and take Muskan to the hospital. By the time he arrived, an ambulance had already taken her away.

He also claimed that Muskan’s sisters had earlier told him that Imran used to harass her. He said Imran had allegedly behaved in a similar manner in the past.

The police are investigating the exact motive behind the murder. Further details are awaited.