SC: Poll Ban on Convicted Politicians to Stay

The Supreme Court has dealt a huge blow to the Centre by rejecting its plea, seeking a review of its verdict on disqualification of convicted politicians in criminal cases. The apex court made it clear that the ban on convicted politicians from contesting the polls, will stay.

The Supreme Court, however, agreed to hear the petition seeking review of its verdict, which barred arrested persons from contesting the polls. It can be noted that all political parties, barring the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) had ganged up against the apex court verdict.

Kendrapara MP Baijayant Panda, who is a staunch supporter of the Supreme Court’s verdict, tweeted while replying to another tweet, “Sadly, excpt a few, probably “@debasish_mishra: #SC stands by order disqualifying cnvictd netas. Now expct netas 2gang up, get law amended?”

According to the proposal moved by the Law Ministry, the MPs and MLAs should be given the right to retain membership even after conviction if their appeal is pending before a court and sentenced is stayed. However, their voting rights be put in abeyance and they should not get any salary or allowances till the final verdict.