Stop politicians with criminal record from becoming Public Representatives

On July 11, Supreme Court of India stuck down the provision of the RP act allowing convicted criminals to remain in the office and also cited that lawmakers are disqualified immediately after conviction [1]. According to the Times of India Article published on 29th of July 2013, 30% of M.P's in Rajya Sabha and about 17% M.P's from Lok Sabha has criminal charges facing against them [2]. Also, report showed that 74% of the parties gave tickets to the candidate even when they knew about their criminal records.

Few weeks after the Supreme Court judgment against the tainted politicians, politicians from all parties, after being worried about their future, have geared together to protest against it by asking government to bring constitutional amendment[3] to make Supreme Court judgment invalid. Politicians have urged government to take this issue into consideration in this monsoon session, which is scheduled to begin on 5th of August.

This is a serious issue of concern for all citizens of India, how can we be assured that country is going in right directions or public representatives are taking right decision, when they itself have criminal cases pending against them. Let’s create pressure on the Government of India before they bring constitutional amendment to the RP act, which would then make Supreme Court Judgment invalid, in this monsoon session of parliament. We urge Prime Minister of India not to take any decision against this landmark Supreme Court judgment and make policies which prevent criminals from entering politics, to save future of our country.

 References:

 1- IBN Live News, Indian, 10 July 2013- http://ibnlive.in.com/news/mps-mlas-will-be-ousted-soon-after-conviction-in-a-criminal-case-sc/405598-37.html

2- Times of India, India, 29 July 2013, http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-07-29/india/40871633_1_criminal-cases-national-election-watch-lok-sabha-mps

3. Times of India, 2 August 2013, http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Political-parties-gang-up-oppose-apex-court-order-on-tainted-politicians/articleshow/21541188.cms