Case Commentary On Rambabu Singh Thakur v/s Sunil Arora
Before getting in to the depth of our case it is necessary to know the root
cause of the case and problems associated it. Major Root of our case lies in
matter of criminalization of politics. When it comes to political issues we are
well aware of the fact that in the world of politics there is no white surface
to walk.
The concept of criminalization of politics is rising day by day and with the increase in these aspects in order to cope up with the coming consequence and issues in political field the Supreme Court of India is empowered to issue various guidelines under Article 142 and Article 129 for stoppage of involving politicians having criminal records to participate in elections as from the view that such criminal candidature allowance can be detrimental to public interest.
The role of Supreme Court is to avoid candidates having criminal background over candidates having clean background. Current case is the picture as to how our Supreme court has dealt with these affairs and how the Fundamental rights differs from statutory rights.
Case Commentary: On: Rambabu Singh Thakur v/s Sunil Arora & Ors
In the supreme court of India: Contempt Pet (C) No. 428 of 2019 in W.P (C) No. 536 of 2011 & Contempt Pet. (C) No. 464 of 2019 in W. P (C) NO. 536 of 2011
Petitioner: Rambabu Singh Thakur v/s Respondent: Sunil Arora & Ors
Judgment dated on: 13th February, 2020 - Bench:
Facts Of The Case
The present case is relating to the concept which highlights criminalization of politics in India. Criminalization of politics refers to an act whereby person having criminal records in past wants to enter in to politics. Which is detrimental to public interest as criminals enter in to political world by the support of politicians and it gives political parties undue benefits at large.
The case focuses on disregard of directions issued by Supreme Court of India in case of Public Interest Foundation and ors vs Union of India also known as "Electoral Disqualification Case". Wherein two petitions were filed by BJP Leader Ashwini Upadhyay and an NGO - Public Interest Foundation.
The intention of bringing this petition was to seek directions from Supreme Court of India regarding prohibition of criminals from contesting the polls and getting elected as Member of Parliament.
Issue Involved
Whether the Supreme Court of India can restrict candidates having criminal background to participate in the Elections or whether by making additional laws can the apex court restrain the membership of parliament exceeding Article 102 (a) to Article 102 (e)?
Highlight On Advanced Arguments
Petitioner's contention:
The contention made from the petitioner side was that the right to contest elections is not a fundamental right but a statutory right. One cannot be given a chance to make law who has already break the law earlier, he should be disallowed to participate in elections and being a part of legislature.
The person having criminal past cannot be prioritized over candidate having clean background in order to keep public interest at first place. Furthermore the constitutional principles are set out for benefit of people at large. Granting tickets to candidatures would be allowing criminals in the political world.
Respondent's contention:
The Arguments made by the respondent was that - Just by criminal allegations on political candidates cannot debar them to participate in elections. Focusing on the principle of separation of powers, the respondent contented that basic structure was enshrined under the constitution. Also there was no scope of addition words by the apex court in the existing statute under Art 142.
Rationale
The Supreme Court of India has created a very crucial impact in the present case by observing the rising criminalization of politics as in the year 2004 it was 24% which came to 43% in the year 2019. The apex court issued additional directions to what was issued earlier in its judgment in the case of Public Interest Foundation & Union of India and ors, trying its power under Article 129:
The article lays down that Supreme Court being a court of record has the power to punish for its contempt and Article 142 which states that the decrees or orders passed by the Supreme Court in exercise of its jurisdiction are binding on all courts within the territory of India.
Making mandatory requirement for all the politicians interested to participate in elections to upload their details stating criminal charges on them or the number of criminal cases pending against them, if any with reasons mentioning as to why they should be selected over candidate having no criminal antecedents.
Relying on those merits only then the candidates are allowed to be a part of legislature. Making it compulsory for all candidates to publish the details in the newspaper and on social media within 48 hours of selection or within the span of 2 weeks from the date of filing nomination, whichever is earlier also report to Election commission of India failing to which notice shall be brought to the apex court.
While adjudicating the case of Public Interest Foundation & Union of India & Ors various Principles and statutory provisions were taken in to consideration. Looking at the aspect of "Separation of powers" the court noted that it does not possess any power to exonerate on the matter. But at the same time it was very much essential to bring a standard law with respect of banning of extreme level of criminalization of politics.
Also, the "Doctrine of colorable Legislation" which states that what can't be done directly can't also be done indirectly was pointed while looking in to the matter. Further the Principle of presumption of Innocence- provides that an Individual is considered to be innocent unless proven guilty and hereby the disqualification by Member of Parliament or state legislature for the reason that there are pending criminal cases against him/ her would be prejudicial. So the guidelines referred in this aforesaid case reiterated the current case of Rambabu Singh Thakur vs Sunil Arora.
Judgement
On February 13, 2020.
Bench: Hon'ble justice R.F- Nariman, Hon'able justice S. Ravindra Bhat and Hon'able Justice Ramasubramanian.
The Supreme Court once taking under consideration the school of thought of Colorable Legislation, the principle of Separation of Powers and scrutinizing the shortcoming of the court to issue official document of writ of mandamus to the Election Commissioner regarding the extension of law of disqualification for the explanation of a candidate having criminal background, the court came to the conclusion that the facility of constructing laws can't be extended to the judiciary. However the court has power to issue directions or tips as secured below Article 129 and Article 142 of the Constitution.
With this the Supreme Court of India in order to cure ongoing disease laid down following additional directions with created a protection layer to the political system. So the guidelines referred in this case of Public Interest Foundation and ors vs Union of India reiterated the current case of Rambabu Singh Thakur vs Sunil Arora.
It shall be the duty of the central and state-level political parties to furnish elaborate info regarding the criminal antecedents of the chosen candidates. Further, the knowledge regarding the criminal antecedents should contain- the character of offence, what charges are framed against them, what's the case variety, during which court the case is filed, etc. what is more, the organization shall make a case for the explanations on why the candidate with criminal antecedents was elite over the qualified candidate with no criminal antecedents.
The reason for such choice shall be primarily based upon the deserving, qualification and action of the candidate instead of mere "win ability" at the voters' polls.
The elaborate data concerning the criminal antecedents of the candidates shall wide be revealed within the native further as national newspaper alongside the message on the social media platforms as well as Twitter, Facebook, etc.
This information shall be published in either of the two-time frames, whichever is earlier within 48 hours of the selection of the candidate or within not less than 2 weeks before the first date of filing for nomination.
The political party concerned shall submit a report of compliance with the Election Commission by following all the aforesaid directions and such submission has to be done within 72 hours of the selection of the concerned candidate.
In case of failure of submission of such compliance, the Election Commission shall put forward non-compliance by the political party to the SC of India by way of contempt of this court orders/directions.
View Point
In the present case commentary, the Supreme Court of India has emphasized widely on growing criminalization of politics which is deleterious to the welfare of public it not only damages the root cause of our political system but also restricts the innocent candidates to get opportunity over criminal candidates. The Apex court have analyzed these issues and for the betterment of political health issued various guidelines.
It is prudent to know that one having background of criminal cases pertaining to Rape, Murder etc cannot be given a chance to be part of justice as they had already set their criminal positions are bound to be punished instead of giving them further chance to proceed with other criminal activities. Though the "Doctrine of Innocence" works on the mechanism that no one is guilty unless convicted but the fact that cannot be denied is that a person on which several criminal complaints are filled and who is under charged cannot be stated as an innocent in common parlance.
And thus, it is essential to differentiate the meaning of "Innocence" by not just relying on book definitions. Directions issued by the apex court would not completely swap the criminalization of politics but these guidelines would be an effective mechanism to resolve this issues. Further, Article 142 does not additional words in existing law but still Supreme Court is empowered under Article 129 and Article 142 it keep public interest as top priority without breaking constitutional validity.
Conclusion
Through this landmark judgment, the court verified few procedures within the already existing directions issued by the court. The wide promotional material of the contesting candidate in several platforms together with newspaper & social media would permit the voters to settle on a right representative for them.
Additionally the directions place an obligation on the organization to offer tickets to such candidates having no criminal antecedents and if any organization violates these directions then itought to face consequences for such violation.
Bibliography:
Award Winning Article Is Written By: Ms.Vanshika Mahendra Jain - Thakur Ramnarayan College Of Law Affiliated To University Of Mumbai.
The concept of criminalization of politics is rising day by day and with the increase in these aspects in order to cope up with the coming consequence and issues in political field the Supreme Court of India is empowered to issue various guidelines under Article 142 and Article 129 for stoppage of involving politicians having criminal records to participate in elections as from the view that such criminal candidature allowance can be detrimental to public interest.
The role of Supreme Court is to avoid candidates having criminal background over candidates having clean background. Current case is the picture as to how our Supreme court has dealt with these affairs and how the Fundamental rights differs from statutory rights.
Case Commentary: On: Rambabu Singh Thakur v/s Sunil Arora & Ors
In the supreme court of India: Contempt Pet (C) No. 428 of 2019 in W.P (C) No. 536 of 2011 & Contempt Pet. (C) No. 464 of 2019 in W. P (C) NO. 536 of 2011
Petitioner: Rambabu Singh Thakur v/s Respondent: Sunil Arora & Ors
Judgment dated on: 13th February, 2020 - Bench:
- Hon'ble Justice R.F. Nariman, Hon'ble
- Justice S. Ravindra Bhat & Hon'ble
- Justice V. Ramasubramanian.
Facts Of The Case
The present case is relating to the concept which highlights criminalization of politics in India. Criminalization of politics refers to an act whereby person having criminal records in past wants to enter in to politics. Which is detrimental to public interest as criminals enter in to political world by the support of politicians and it gives political parties undue benefits at large.
The case focuses on disregard of directions issued by Supreme Court of India in case of Public Interest Foundation and ors vs Union of India also known as "Electoral Disqualification Case". Wherein two petitions were filed by BJP Leader Ashwini Upadhyay and an NGO - Public Interest Foundation.
The intention of bringing this petition was to seek directions from Supreme Court of India regarding prohibition of criminals from contesting the polls and getting elected as Member of Parliament.
Issue Involved
Whether the Supreme Court of India can restrict candidates having criminal background to participate in the Elections or whether by making additional laws can the apex court restrain the membership of parliament exceeding Article 102 (a) to Article 102 (e)?
Highlight On Advanced Arguments
Petitioner's contention:
The contention made from the petitioner side was that the right to contest elections is not a fundamental right but a statutory right. One cannot be given a chance to make law who has already break the law earlier, he should be disallowed to participate in elections and being a part of legislature.
The person having criminal past cannot be prioritized over candidate having clean background in order to keep public interest at first place. Furthermore the constitutional principles are set out for benefit of people at large. Granting tickets to candidatures would be allowing criminals in the political world.
Respondent's contention:
The Arguments made by the respondent was that - Just by criminal allegations on political candidates cannot debar them to participate in elections. Focusing on the principle of separation of powers, the respondent contented that basic structure was enshrined under the constitution. Also there was no scope of addition words by the apex court in the existing statute under Art 142.
Rationale
The Supreme Court of India has created a very crucial impact in the present case by observing the rising criminalization of politics as in the year 2004 it was 24% which came to 43% in the year 2019. The apex court issued additional directions to what was issued earlier in its judgment in the case of Public Interest Foundation & Union of India and ors, trying its power under Article 129:
The article lays down that Supreme Court being a court of record has the power to punish for its contempt and Article 142 which states that the decrees or orders passed by the Supreme Court in exercise of its jurisdiction are binding on all courts within the territory of India.
Making mandatory requirement for all the politicians interested to participate in elections to upload their details stating criminal charges on them or the number of criminal cases pending against them, if any with reasons mentioning as to why they should be selected over candidate having no criminal antecedents.
Relying on those merits only then the candidates are allowed to be a part of legislature. Making it compulsory for all candidates to publish the details in the newspaper and on social media within 48 hours of selection or within the span of 2 weeks from the date of filing nomination, whichever is earlier also report to Election commission of India failing to which notice shall be brought to the apex court.
While adjudicating the case of Public Interest Foundation & Union of India & Ors various Principles and statutory provisions were taken in to consideration. Looking at the aspect of "Separation of powers" the court noted that it does not possess any power to exonerate on the matter. But at the same time it was very much essential to bring a standard law with respect of banning of extreme level of criminalization of politics.
Also, the "Doctrine of colorable Legislation" which states that what can't be done directly can't also be done indirectly was pointed while looking in to the matter. Further the Principle of presumption of Innocence- provides that an Individual is considered to be innocent unless proven guilty and hereby the disqualification by Member of Parliament or state legislature for the reason that there are pending criminal cases against him/ her would be prejudicial. So the guidelines referred in this aforesaid case reiterated the current case of Rambabu Singh Thakur vs Sunil Arora.
Judgement
On February 13, 2020.
Bench: Hon'ble justice R.F- Nariman, Hon'able justice S. Ravindra Bhat and Hon'able Justice Ramasubramanian.
The Supreme Court once taking under consideration the school of thought of Colorable Legislation, the principle of Separation of Powers and scrutinizing the shortcoming of the court to issue official document of writ of mandamus to the Election Commissioner regarding the extension of law of disqualification for the explanation of a candidate having criminal background, the court came to the conclusion that the facility of constructing laws can't be extended to the judiciary. However the court has power to issue directions or tips as secured below Article 129 and Article 142 of the Constitution.
With this the Supreme Court of India in order to cure ongoing disease laid down following additional directions with created a protection layer to the political system. So the guidelines referred in this case of Public Interest Foundation and ors vs Union of India reiterated the current case of Rambabu Singh Thakur vs Sunil Arora.
It shall be the duty of the central and state-level political parties to furnish elaborate info regarding the criminal antecedents of the chosen candidates. Further, the knowledge regarding the criminal antecedents should contain- the character of offence, what charges are framed against them, what's the case variety, during which court the case is filed, etc. what is more, the organization shall make a case for the explanations on why the candidate with criminal antecedents was elite over the qualified candidate with no criminal antecedents.
The reason for such choice shall be primarily based upon the deserving, qualification and action of the candidate instead of mere "win ability" at the voters' polls.
The elaborate data concerning the criminal antecedents of the candidates shall wide be revealed within the native further as national newspaper alongside the message on the social media platforms as well as Twitter, Facebook, etc.
This information shall be published in either of the two-time frames, whichever is earlier within 48 hours of the selection of the candidate or within not less than 2 weeks before the first date of filing for nomination.
The political party concerned shall submit a report of compliance with the Election Commission by following all the aforesaid directions and such submission has to be done within 72 hours of the selection of the concerned candidate.
In case of failure of submission of such compliance, the Election Commission shall put forward non-compliance by the political party to the SC of India by way of contempt of this court orders/directions.
View Point
In the present case commentary, the Supreme Court of India has emphasized widely on growing criminalization of politics which is deleterious to the welfare of public it not only damages the root cause of our political system but also restricts the innocent candidates to get opportunity over criminal candidates. The Apex court have analyzed these issues and for the betterment of political health issued various guidelines.
It is prudent to know that one having background of criminal cases pertaining to Rape, Murder etc cannot be given a chance to be part of justice as they had already set their criminal positions are bound to be punished instead of giving them further chance to proceed with other criminal activities. Though the "Doctrine of Innocence" works on the mechanism that no one is guilty unless convicted but the fact that cannot be denied is that a person on which several criminal complaints are filled and who is under charged cannot be stated as an innocent in common parlance.
And thus, it is essential to differentiate the meaning of "Innocence" by not just relying on book definitions. Directions issued by the apex court would not completely swap the criminalization of politics but these guidelines would be an effective mechanism to resolve this issues. Further, Article 142 does not additional words in existing law but still Supreme Court is empowered under Article 129 and Article 142 it keep public interest as top priority without breaking constitutional validity.
Conclusion
Through this landmark judgment, the court verified few procedures within the already existing directions issued by the court. The wide promotional material of the contesting candidate in several platforms together with newspaper & social media would permit the voters to settle on a right representative for them.
Additionally the directions place an obligation on the organization to offer tickets to such candidates having no criminal antecedents and if any organization violates these directions then itought to face consequences for such violation.
Bibliography:
- Constitution of India.
- Law Times Journal
https://lawtimesjournal.in/rambabu-singh-thakur-vs-sunil-arora-ors/ - The Legal Alpha
https://thelegalalpha.com/rambabu-singh-thakur-vs-sunil-arora/ - Supreme Court Observer
https://www.scobserver.in/journal/criminalisation-of-politics/ - Center of Academic Legal Research
https://calr.in/rambabu-singh-thakur-v-sunil-arora/
Award Winning Article Is Written By: Ms.Vanshika Mahendra Jain - Thakur Ramnarayan College Of Law Affiliated To University Of Mumbai.
 Authentication No: JU217114166616-20-0622 |
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