Why in news:

  • Recently, the Supreme Court refused to set aside a provision in the election law that allows candidates to contest polls from two constituencies simultaneously.
  • The petition by an advocate had sought a declaration that Section 33(7) of the Representation of the People Act is invalid.
  • Section 33 (7) of the Act allows a person to contest a general election or a group of byelections or biennial elections from two constituencies.
  • The above provision was introduced in 1996 prior to which there was no bar on the number of constituencies from which a candidate could contest.

More about Representation of the People Act,1951:

The Representation of the People Act, 1951 is an act of Parliament of India to provide for the conduct of election of the Houses of Parliament and to the House or Houses of the Legislature of each State. The Act was enacted by the provisional parliament under Article 327 of Indian Constitution, before the first general election.

The Act discusses about:

  • The qualifications and disqualifications for membership of those Houses
  • The corrupt practices and other offences at or in connection with such elections
  • The decision of doubts and disputes arising out of or in connection with such elections
  • Details about the structure of administrative machinery for the conduct of elections
  • By-elections to the vacant seats
  • Registration of political parties

Section 8 of the RPA,1951:

  • Section 8 of the RPA 1951deals with Disqualification of representatives on conviction for certain offences.
  • The various offences are covered under sub clauses.
Syllabus: Prelims + Mains; GS2 – Indian Polity; Election laws