Dharwad: In a move that could deter political parties to some extent from fielding candidates with criminal background for the Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission of India has, for the first time, introduced a condition wherein candidates with criminal antecedents will be required to publish information in this regard in newspapers and through TV channels on three occasions during the campaign period. political party that sets up candidates with criminal antecedents is also required to publish information about the criminal background of its candidates, both on its websites and also in newspapers and TV channels.“This will make the voter know whether he/ she is voting for a candidate with criminal background,” said political analyst Harish Ramaswamy.The new condition has been introduced by the ECI following direction from the Supreme Court in the writ petition filed by NGO Lok Prahari against the Union of India in 2015 and another writ petition filed by Public Interest Foundation against Union of India and others in 2011 through amendments in Form no.26 (Format of affidavit by candidates). The ECI had issued directions to this effect on October 10, 2018.According to the ECI notification this declaration is to be published at least on three different dates from the day following the last date for withdrawal of candidatures and up to two days before the date of poll.“The matter should be published in font size of at least 12 and should be placed suitably in newspapers so that the directions for wide publicity are complied with in letter and spirit. All such candidates with criminal cases are also required to publish the above declaration on TV channels on three different dates during the above mentioned period. But, in the case of the declaration in TV channels, the same should be completed before the period of 48 hours ending with the hour fixed for conclusion of poll”, the Election Commission has clarified.In case of non-compliance of the direction by the candidate/political party, the returning officer will issue notices to them and in the event of non-compliance till the end of the elections, the returning officer will report to the state’s Chief Election Commissioner who, in turn, will intimate ECI. The ECI will take a final decision in the matter.In its judgment the Supreme Court has directed that each contesting candidate shall fill up the form as provided by the Election Commission and the form must contain all the particulars as required therein.“It shall state, in bold letters, with regard to the criminal cases pending against the candidate. If a candidate is contesting an election on the ticket of a particular party, he/she is required to inform the party about the criminal cases pending against him/her”.

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