New Delhi: The law commission, claiming existing rules that bar convicted legislators are “incapable” of keeping criminals away from electoral politics, has recommended that disqualification should take place upon the framing of charges in cases punishable by five years in jail or more.
The panel’s report on ‘Electoral Disqualifications,’ that was tabled in the Parliament on Monday, also suggests that the filing of false affidavits should be treated as a “corrupt practice” under the Representation of the People Act and invite disqualification.
The report recommended enhancement of punishment for such action from the current six months to at least two years along with a fine. “The law needs to evolve to pose an effective deterrence and prevent subversion of the process of justice,” it said.
