Indian Supreme Court condemns rise in criminal political candidates
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The Supreme Court of India has made it mandatory for political parties to publish the names of candidates with criminal records and the reasons for which they are being fielded.
The court said there was an “alarming rise” in “criminal candidates” that had to be urgently addressed.
In 2019, 43 per cent of new MPs had criminal records, up from 34 per cent in 2014, according to watchdog Association for Democratic Reforms.
While some of the charges are minor, there are many who face those of theft, assault and even murder and rape.
The court asked why parties could not put forward “clean” candidates and said that “winnability” was insufficient justification for allowing tainted politicians to stand for election.
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