SC: Election candidates, spouses, dependents must disclose sources of income
The Supreme Court has ordered that candidates contesting elections will have to disclose their "sources of income." Not only this, they will have to do so for their spouses, children and any other dependents. This order came in response to a public interest litigation filed by Lok Prahari, an NGO that fights corruption. Incidentally, the Election Commission supports this step. Here's more about it.
What does the current law say?
Currently, a candidate is required to disclose details of assets and liabilities for themselves, spouses and three dependents in Form 26, while filing nomination papers. During the hearing, Central Board of Direct Taxes claimed that "prima facie verification" of MPs/MLAs' election affidavits indicates discrepancies in income disclosures of 7 MPs and 98 MLAs. Thus, now a column in the nomination-form will require candidates' sources of income.
What else did the PIL propose?
Meanwhile, Lok Prahari also sought to disqualify MPs/MLAs if they or a member of their family hold shares in firms that have business contracts or financial agreements with the government. In response to this, EC sought an amendment to the Representation of the People Act to execute these changes. Further, they said such a step was necessary for a "healthier democracy."
