08 July 2025: The Hindu Editorial
1. A Rightful Judicial Push for Clean Politics
Source – Page 6, The Hindu Editorial Section
| Topic: GS Paper 2 (Polity and Governance) |
| Context |
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Background
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According to ADR data, over 40% of MPs in the Lok Sabha face criminal charges.
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Despite past recommendations and judgments, Parliament has not enacted stringent legislation to bar such individuals.
Supreme Court Intervention
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The court invoked its moral authority and constitutional responsibility.
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Called for fast-track courts to dispose of pending criminal cases against politicians.
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Highlighted the erosion of public trust and democratic values due to criminalisation.
Relevant Constitutional & Legal Provisions
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Article 102 & 191: Disqualification for MPs/MLAs.
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Representation of People Act, 1951:
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Section 8: Deals with disqualification upon conviction.
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But: No provision for disqualification during the pendency of trial.
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Previous Judicial Stands
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Lily Thomas v. Union of India (2013): MPs/MLAs convicted of crimes with ≥2 years imprisonment will be immediately disqualified.
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Public Interest Foundation v. Union of India (2018): Directed political parties to publish criminal records of candidates.
Challenges in Implementation
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Lack of political will.
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Misuse of false cases for political vendetta.
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Delays in judicial process.
Way Forward
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Enactment of laws to bar candidates with serious charges (framed by court, not just FIR).
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Strengthening fast-track courts.
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Political will for internal reforms within parties (e.g., denial of tickets).
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Voter awareness campaigns.
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Practice Question: “Criminalisation of politics poses a serious threat to the democratic fabric of India. Critically examine the judicial interventions in this regard and suggest institutional reforms to tackle the issue.” |
2. Framing Women’s Voices in Parliament
Source – Page 6, The Hindu Editorial
| Topic: GS Paper 2 – Polity and Governance (Representation, Women Empowerment) |
| Context |
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Women in Legislature: A Historical Underrepresentation
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Despite multiple legislative and constitutional efforts, the presence of women in Parliament remains below 15%.
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India ranks poorly globally in terms of women’s political representation.
The Women’s Reservation Act (2023): Missed Opportunity?
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Provides 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
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However, implementation is linked to delimitation based on the next Census — delaying practical effect.
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Critics argue it postpones empowerment rather than ensuring it.
Structural and Cultural Barriers:
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Patriarchal politics: Major parties lack internal democracy and rarely nominate women candidates.
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Tokenism: Women in politics often serve in symbolic roles with limited real power.
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Financial barriers and political violence deter women from contesting.
Global Comparisons:
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Countries like Rwanda, Mexico, and Sweden have high women representation due to quota enforcement and proportional systems.
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India’s first-past-the-post system and political centralization hinder similar outcomes.
Way Forward:
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Time-bound implementation of Women’s Reservation Act.
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Internal party quotas for candidate nominations.
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Increased training and capacity building for grassroots women leaders.
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Strengthening of laws against electoral violence and harassment.
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Electoral reforms to enhance transparency and reduce financial barriers.
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Practice Question: Despite constitutional and legislative provisions, women remain underrepresented in Indian legislatures. Examine the causes and suggest reforms for effective political empowerment of women. |
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