With every poll, rise in number of law-breakers who turn law-makers

The nation is going to the polls starting from April 19, until June 1, to elect its representatives to the Lok Sabha, with the expectation that these new members of Parliament will serve them well. Therefore, the integrity of these elected representatives is of paramount importance, considering that they are entrusted with the responsibility of making decisions shaping the nation's future.

- MEGHA KUCHIK

However, when individuals with criminal backgrounds or pending cases against them are elected to positions of power, it raises questions about the legitimacy and integrity of the political system. In India, as in many other countries, the presence of members of Parliament (MPs) with declared criminal cases has sparked widespread debate and concern.

Disturbingly though, data from the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) reveals that the trend of MPs with criminal backgrounds seems to be escalating with every general election. In 2004, 24 per cent of MPs declared criminal cases, and this category increased to 30 per cent in 2009, 34 per cent in 2014, reaching 44 per cent in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Similarly, the proportion of MPs with serious criminal cases has also steadily risen over the years.

The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) is an apolitical and non-partisan, non-profit organisation in India, dedicated to electoral and political reforms for over 25 years.

The ADR filed a public interest litigation (PIL) with the Delhi High Court, regarding the disclosure of candidates' criminal, financial, and educational backgrounds when contesting elections. Based on this PIL, the Supreme Court made it mandatory for all candidates contesting elections to disclose their criminal, financial, and educational backgrounds before the polls, by filing an affidavit.