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In short:
An election across a country of India's size needs clear legal rules.
Why are laws needed to govern elections?
- An election across a country of India's size needs clear legal rules.
- These rules maintain integrity, transparency and accountability.
- Laws set clear boundaries for voter qualifications and constituency boundaries.
- They also set the rules for campaign conduct and dispute settlement.
What election laws set the rules for
Voter qualifications
who may vote
Constituency boundaries
where each seat lies
Campaign conduct
how parties may campaign
Dispute settlement
how disputes are settled
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This is how integrity, transparency and accountability are maintained
What are the major election laws in India?
Law
Core focus
The Representation of the People Act, 1950
Allocation of seats; delimitation of constituencies; preparation and revision of electoral rolls; voter eligibility for citizens aged 18 and above, without discrimination
The Representation of the People Act, 1951
The actual conduct of elections; nomination of candidates; campaign rules; voting procedures; electoral offences; post-election disputes
The Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952
The rules governing elections to the offices of the President and the Vice President
What is the difference between RPA 1950 and RPA 1951?
| Parameter | RPA 1950 | RPA 1951 |
|---|---|---|
| Core focus | Preparations before an election, such as constituency boundaries and registering voters | The actual conduct of elections on the ground, campaign rules, polling day, corrupt practices and post-election disputes |
What counts as a corrupt practice or an electoral offence under RPA 1951?
Offence
What it means
Bribery
Offering gifts, money or promises to persuade someone to contest, withdraw, vote or not vote
Identity appeals
Appealing to voters on grounds of religion, caste, race, community or language
Misuse of government machinery
Taking campaign help from gazetted officers, judges, magistrates, police, armed forces or excise officers
1. Which law governs the preparation of electoral rolls and the allocation of seats?
Show answer
The Representation of the People Act, 1950.
2. Under which Act are electoral offences and corrupt practices defined?
Show answer
The Representation of the People Act, 1951.
3. State two corrupt practices prohibited under RPA 1951.
Show answer
Appealing for votes on grounds of religion or caste, and bribing voters with gifts or money.
📝 What Have We Learned
- An election across a country of India's size needs clear legal rules.
- RPA 1950 covers allocation of seats, delimitation, electoral rolls and voter eligibility.
- RPA 1951 covers the actual conduct of elections, campaign rules and electoral offences.
