(Image source from: Bill against Sc Order})

Now berth is cleared for the political leaders in the jails to contest in the coming General Elections in India in 2014. The Government of India is in the opinion that the Supreme Court gave a wrong verdict that was corrected by the Government by passing a Bill in the Parliament for which the Legislatures feel they have a duty to do it.  

The Bill “The Representation of the People 2013” that enables the leaders in the jail to contest elections although is very important one, was passed hurriedly without much debate over it.  

On July 10th the Supreme Court of India ordered that the persons in the Jail cannot contest for elections for Parliament or State Legislatures.  The Supreme Court’s contention is that a person in jail cannot contest for elections when a person in jail cannot franchise his vote.  The Court has gave exception to the persons on preventive detention under any law.   

The Government in fact filed a review petition and also Supreme Court accepted to review but instead of waiting for the Supreme Court’s order on it the Government hurried its amendments through passing the Bill in the Parliament.  

The Law Minister Kapil Sibal says that the Supreme Court’s verdict is final and so it is right, but it is not right because it is right!  He also said if an SHO detains you on the eve of elections you cannot file nominations.  The explanation of the Government also appealed the opposition parties and cooperated in passing the Bill without much discussion on it.

-SriJa