Overview

• The Union government has rejected a plea seeking a lifetime ban on convicted lawmakers, stating it falls within the exclusive domain of Parliament to decide such matters.
• In its affidavit, the government defended the current six-year disqualification period under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, arguing it balances deterrence with proportionality.
• The Supreme Court is reviewing the constitutional validity of Sections 8 and 9 of the Act, which govern disqualification periods for lawmakers convicted of criminal offenses or dismissed for corruption.
• The Centre emphasized that courts cannot direct Parliament to legislate or amend laws in a specific manner, citing past rulings to support its position.
• The case highlights concerns over the criminalization of politics, with over 5,000 criminal cases pending against lawmakers and 27 convicted leaders elected to the 2024 Lok Sabha.