Lifetime ban

proposals for electoral reforms, which include decriminalisation of politics, making the offence of bribery a cognizable offence, prohibiting advertisements during 48 hours before the polls and prohibition of paid news.

“It is pertinent to mention that most of therecommendations/proposalsoftheanswering respondent (EC) has been endorsedbythelawcommissioninits244th and 255th reports. However, most of the reforms are either pending considerations by the Union of India or have not been approved for the time being,” read the affidavit.

On the plea for fixing the maximum age criteria and minimum educational qualification, the poll panel said the issue is in legislative domain and would require amendment into the Constitution.

Upadhyay, a lawyer and a Delhi BJP spokesperson, has contended that letting politicians fight polls again was violative oftherighttoequalityunderarticle14.he pointed out in the executive and judiciary, when a person is convicted for any criminal offence, he is suspended automatically and debarred from his services for life.

“However, this rule is applied differently in case of convicted person in a legislature. Even after conviction and undergoing sentence, a convicted person can form his own political party and is eligible to become the office bearer of any political party. In addition, a convicted person is eligible to contest the election and eligible to become Member of Legislature and even Minister after expiry of six year period from the date of conviction,” stated the PIL.