With reference to the recent Election Commission’s strategy to encourage voting by tracking electoral participation, examine the issue of compulsory voting. What can be done to encourage voters’ participation without compromising voter rights?

The election commission has signed MoU with over 1000 corporate houses to monitor the electoral participation of their workforce and publish on their websites and notice boards those who do not vote. This has raised concerns surrounding the issue of ..

Topics: GS-II: Salient Features Significant Provisions of Constitution • GS-II: Salient Features of the Representation of Peoples Act

Few key reforms are needed in the Representation of Peoples Act to make electoral system of India robust and fair. Discuss in the context of contemporary issues.

The electoral system in India traces power from the Constitution which established the election commission as the main authority responsible for elections. In contemporary times, electoral system faces certain key issues: Use of money and muscle power. Rising criminalisation of ..

Topics: GS-II: Salient Features of the Representation of Peoples Act

The Anti-Defection Law (ADL) has been violated and misinterpreted time and again. Suggest measures to strengthen the Anti-Defection Law.

The Anti-Defection Laws (1985) seeks to disqualify legislators who vote against party directives in the legislature, or voluntarily give up party membership. Violations of Anti-Defection Law: The Speakers of various legislative assemblies have played a partisan role when it comes ..

Topics: GS-II: Salient Features Significant Provisions of Constitution • GS-II: Parliament and State Legislatures in India • GS-II: Salient Features of the Representation of Peoples Act

Despite various laws to prevent criminalization of politics in India, the entry of people with criminal antecedents in politics is still prevalent. In the light of several judicial pronouncements related to this, suggest some remedial measures.

Criminalization of politics is detrimental to national interest. Various statutory and legal permissions are enacted to prevent it. Representation of People Act (1951): Disqualification of elected legislators found guilty of electoral offences. Disqualification if convicted with imprisonment of more than ..

Topics: GS-II: Salient Features Significant Provisions of Constitution • GS-II: Functions and Responsibilities of the Union and the States • GS-II: Salient Features of the Representation of Peoples Act

Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democracy and to ensure it, an Election commission free from any political pressure is of paramount importance. In this context, discuss the need to have a relook at the process of appointment and removal of election commissioners to the ECI.

Article 324 provides for an independent election commission to conduct free and fair elections. Recent allegations: Political influence in curtailing campaign period in West Bengal during 2019 elections. Lack of punitive action against the ruling party. Allegations of EVM malfunction ..

Topics: GS-II: Constitutional Statutory Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies • GS-II: Salient Features of the Representation of Peoples Act

Highlight the institutional challenges faced by the Election Commission of India in dealing with the use of money and muscle power in electoral politics and ensuring free and fair elections.

The Election Commission of India is a premier constitutional body enshrined with conduct of free and fair elections throughout the nation. However, there are several institutional challenges present within the institution which hampers its functioning. Institutional Challenges: Lack of permanent ..

Topics: GS-II: Constitutional Statutory Regulatory and Quasi Judicial Bodies • GS-II: Salient Features of the Representation of Peoples Act