A bench of the Supreme Court led by Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman has directed all political parties to publish the list of candidates selection within 48 hours or within two weeks of nomination, whichever is earlier, the criminals’ records of candidates in Assembly and Parliament polls. Also, the Supreme Court directed parties to publish the reason for selection of candidates with criminal records, besides mere winnability. ‘There has been an alarming increase in the number of candidates with criminal background in the last four general elections, the court observed.
The top court also directed that information to be shared by political parties will also include information as available on social media. Parties have also been directed to give reasons for selection of candidates with criminal antecedents. SC said winnability can’t be the only justification. The EC will also be provided with details. There shall be contempt of court if there is no compliance with this verdict, the SC said while directing that information be published in local newspapers and as well as social media.
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