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‘EC backs one seat, one candidate policy’
What has happened?
The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the Centre to respond to an affidavit filed by the Election Commission (EC) of India to amend the law to prevent candidates contesting from multiple constituencies
Background
A petition seeking a declaration striking down Section 33(7) of the Representation of the People Act of 1951, which allows candidates to contest from two constituencies at a time, as invalid and unconstitutional
Effect of contesting from multiple constituencies
The consequence is that a by-election would be required from one constituency, involving avoidable labour and expenditure
EC suggestion
- It suggested that a candidate should deposit Rs. 5 lakh for contesting in two constituencies in an Assembly election or Rs. 10 lakh in a general election
- This would be used for the conduct of a by-election in the eventuality that he or she had to relinquish seat
What now
The court posted the case for hearing in July
