The Supreme Court declined to hear a plea seeking action against Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma over his alleged ‘Miya’ remarks, calling direct petitions before elections a “disturbing trend.” The Court directed petitioners to approach the Guwahati High Court instead.
A petition has been filed before the Supreme Court questioning why the Election Commission of India is conducting only a “Special Revision” in Assam instead of a full “Special Intensive Revision” like in other States. The plea raises concerns over illegal immigrants affecting electoral rolls and demographic balance.
![[Poll Battles] Can Politicians in Jail Contest Elections?| Eligibility to Participate but Not Vote](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-7-5.png?resize=447%2C367&ssl=1)
In India, jailed politicians can run for office but lose their right to vote. Amritpal Singh, a jailed Khalistani separatist, is contesting the Khadoor Sahib parliamentary constituency election. The Representation of the People Act disqualifies convicts, not undertrials, from elections. Several politicians, including Rahul Gandhi, have run for office while incarcerated. The Supreme Court is considering expediting trials of criminal cases against lawmakers. Over 4,900 cases are pending against Members of Parliament and Members of Legislative Assembly/Council, with nearly 1,900 of these cases being over five years old.
