Steps to decriminalise Polictics

New Delhi : The Election Commission of India (ECI) has told the Supreme Court that it has proposed to the Centre to amend the law and bar people accused of offences punishable with at least five years, from contesting elections after charges were framed against them by a court. In an affidavit filed in the top court, the ECI said that it has actively taken steps to decriminalise politics and also made recommendations, but any further steps to effectively decriminalise politics would require legislative amendments, which is beyond the scope of the poll panel.

It said people against whom charges have been framed by a court for offences punishable with at least five years, should be barred from contesting polls if the cases were registered against them at least six months prior to the election. The matter is listed for hearing Monday before a bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra.