Criminalization of Politics

Table of Contents

Context: The recent crimes in Lucknow bring back the notion of deep-rooted phenomenon of Criminalization of Politics in Indian Political system.

About Criminalization of Politics

It means the participation of criminals in politics. People with criminal background contest in the election and get selected as a Member of Parliament or state legislature.
In a democratic country like India, the increasing nexus between criminals and politics threatens the survival of true democracy.
The increasing percentage of members of parliament who have a criminal background:
2004- 24%
2009-30%
2014-34%
2019-43%
Nearly 50% of MPs in 2019 Lok Sabha have criminal records.
The increasing number of members with criminal records in parliament threatens the survival of any true democracy.

Reason behind the Criminalization of Politics

Increasing nexus between politicians and bureaucracy.
The increasing interference of politicians in administration.
At the time of the election, political parties spend a huge sum of money buying the votes for another illegitimate purpose.
Poor Governance: It plays an important role in increasing the criminalization of politics. It doesn’t have the proper laws and rules for governing the procedure of the election.

Way Forward

Law Commission 179^threport on criminalization of politics
It recommended an amendment to the Representation of people act 1951.
It suggested the people with criminal backgrounds should be disqualified for five years or until acquittal.
It recommended that the person who wants to contest the election must furnish details regarding any pending case, with the copy of the FIR/complaint, and also furnish details of all assets.