Abstract
Abstract
While there is overwhelming support for democracy in India and voter turnout is higher than in most Western democracies, there seems to be dangerously low levels of trust in political parties and politicians. There are at least two facts about Indian politics that merit mention. First, the number of members of Parliament (MPs) in the Lok Sabha or Lower House (which is directly elected by the people in a first past the post system) with criminal records is striking. Second, a significant feature of Indian politics is the number of extremely wealthy—or crorepati (multi-millionaire) to use common parlance—MPs in Parliament. The criminal records of MPs and their financial worth are available in the public domain thanks to two landmark Supreme Court judgments in 2002 and 2003. In this essay I examine these two judgments and the reasoning behind the Court's efforts to inject some transparency into the political system. I argue that while the courts and commissions have had a positive impact in regulating elections in India, it is nowhere enough to restore confidence in politicians and stem electoral corruption. The political class and elected representatives have to be a part of the process and only sustained pressure, not just from courts and institutions like the Election Commission (EC), but also from voters can effect real change.
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