A report filed by Senior Advocate Vijay Hansaria, acting as Amicus Curiae in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) urging expeditious disposal of criminal cases against Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs), has shed light on concerning statistics from the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. According to the report, candidates with criminal backgrounds enjoyed a higher success rate in securing seats compared to those without criminal antecedents.
Key Findings from the Report
- Out of 7,928 candidates contesting the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, 1,500 candidates (19%) had criminal cases against them, with 1,070 candidates (13%) facing serious criminal charges.
- However, among the 514 elected members of the 17th Lok Sabha, 225 members (44%) had criminal cases pending against them, indicating that candidates with criminal backgrounds secured more seats than those without.
- The report highlights that while candidates with criminal cases comprised only around 19% of the total candidates, they occupied approximately 44% of the seats in the Lok Sabha.
Urgent Calls for Action
Hansaria's report underscores the urgent need for High Courts to expedite the disposal of pending criminal cases against lawmakers. It emphasizes the importance of invoking the courts' powers under Article 227 of the Indian Constitution to monitor trials effectively and ensure timely resolution of cases.
Proposed Solutions
The report advocates for the creation of a model website, akin to the National Judicial Data Grid, where citizens can access real-time information on the progress of criminal cases against lawmakers. Hansaria suggests that transparency in this regard is essential for voters to make informed decisions during elections.
Call for Immediate Action
Given the ongoing General Elections for the 18th Lok Sabha, the report's findings hold significant relevance. It urges stakeholders to take proactive measures to address the backlog of criminal cases against legislators and uphold the integrity of India's electoral process.
As the nation grapples with the challenge of ensuring accountability and transparency in its democratic institutions, Hansaria's report serves as a wake-up call for authorities to address the issue of criminalization in politics. The urgency of the matter cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts the trust and confidence of citizens in their elected representatives.
