SC Disqualifies Candidate Over Misleading Affidavit: Truth Must Be on the Ballot
- ByAdmin --
- 09 Apr 2025 --
- 0 Comments
In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court disqualified a recently elected MLA for submitting a misleading election affidavit regarding criminal cases and asset disclosures.
The judgment drives home a clear message: you can’t lie to voters and still expect to lead them.
The Case
A political candidate failed to mention a pending FIR and a loan default in his affidavit during the 2022 elections. His rival filed a petition after results were declared.
What the Court Said
• Suppression of material facts violates the voter’s right to informed choice
• False affidavits = breach of constitutional ethics under Article 19(1)(a) (freedom of speech)
• Disqualification is necessary to maintain purity of the electoral process
Implications
• A chilling effect on political candidates who fudge details
• Strengthens voters' Right to Know
• Reinforces Section 125A of the Representation of People Act
This is electoral integrity, backed by constitutional firepower.
RELATED Blog
0 comments