ADR REPORT REVEALS SHOCKING STATISTICS

Poll rights body Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) said that 225 (44%) out of the 514 sitting Lok Sabha MPs were facing criminal cases and 5% were billionaires having assets exceeding ₹100 crore.

Highlights:

1. Nearly 50% of the Members of Parliament facing criminal charges in India are from the states of Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Himachal Pradesh.
2. About 29% of sitting MPs with criminal charges are involved in serious criminal cases, including charges of murder, attempt to murder and crimes against women.

About Criminalization of Politics:

1. Refers to the infiltration of criminals, law breakers and corrupt individuals into the political system, who use their influence to pursue their own interests at the expense of the country and its citizens.

Reasons:

1. Growing nexus between political parties and criminals.
2. Lack of laws and rules to regulate the election process.
3. Money power means buying votes for other illegitimate purposes.

Impact:

1. Against free and fair elections.
2. Affects good governance and integrity of public servants.
3. Corrupt activities like taking bribes, misallocating public funds etc. harm the social fabric of the society.

Supreme Court (SC) judgements related with Criminalization of Politics:

1. Lily Thomas Vs UOI (2013): Members of parliament and State Legislatures convicted of crime with a minimum sentence of 2 years imprisonment would cease to be members of the house.
2. Public Interest Foundation v UOI (2018): Mere criminal charges leveled against a person do not disqualify him from membership of a legislative body.

Must Check: Best IAS Coaching In Delhi