Plea in SC challenging automatic disqualification after Rahul Gandhi's disqualification

After the disqualification of Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha, a plea challenging the automatic disqualification of representatives of elected legislative bodies, upon being convicted of any offence and sentenced to imprisonment for not less than two years as per Section 8 (3) of the Representatives of the People Act, 1951 (1951 Act) has been filed before the Supreme Court of India.

New Delhi:A petition has been filed before the Supreme Court of India challenging the automatic disqualification of representatives of elected legislative bodies upon being convicted of any offense and sentenced to imprisonment for not less than two years as per Section 8(3) of the Representatives of the People Act, 1951 (1951 Act). The petitioner argues that a blanket disqualification, irrespective of the nature, gravity, and seriousness of the offenses, is against the principles of natural justice.

The petition first argues that Section 8(3) of the 1951 Act is ultra vires of the Constitution of India as it contradicts Section 8(1), Section 8A, 9, 9A, 10, 10A, and 11 of the 1951 Act. Section 8(3) restrains the members from freely discharging their duties cast upon them by the voters of their respective constituency, which is against the principles of democracy. It provides for a blanket automatic disqualification on the basis of the quantum of sentencing and imprisonment, which is self-contradictory and creates ambiguity as to the proper procedure for disqualification. The intent of the legislature while laying down the said 1951 Act was to disqualify convicted elected members who had committed serious or heinous offenses.

Moreover, the Code for Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC) distinguishes the “Classification of Offenses” and categorizes offenses into cognizable and non-cognizable and bailable and non-bailable. The oeition argues the ground for disqualification should be specific under the CrPC and not in a blanket form. The present scenario provides a blanket disqualification, irrespective of the nature, gravity, and seriousness of the offenses, allegedly against the concerned Member, and provides for an “automatic” disqualification, which is against the principles of natural justice. Various convictions are reversed at the appellate stage, and under such circumstances, the valuable time of a member who is discharging his duties towards the public at large shall be rendered futile.

The petition also highlights that the Members of Parliament are the "voice of the people," and a Member's representation is the right of freedom of speech and expression of millions of supporters who have elected him or her in that constituency. There can be o doubt about the fact that the right under Article 19(1)(a) enjoyed by the Member of Parliament is an extension of the voice of millions of his supporters. If the offense under Section 499 and 500 of the IPC, which just technically has a maximum punishment of 2 years, is not removed singularly from the sweeping effect of the judgment in Lily Thomas, it will have a chilling effect on the right of representation of the citizens.

Though the immediate reason for approaching the Court is the recent development of Rahul Gandhi's disqualification, the petition argues, but, the larger issue is the constitutionality of the provision and the violation of natural justice. The petitioner prays that the Court may declare Section 8(3) of the 1951 Act ultra vires of the Constitution of India and direct the Parliament to make necessary amendments to bring the legislation in conformity with the Constitution.

In conclusion, the petition before the Supreme Court of India challenging the automatic disqualification of representatives of elected legislative bodies upon being convicted of any offense and sentenced to imprisonment for not less than two years highlights the larger issue of the constitutionality of the provision and the violation of natural justice. The petition argues that the grounds for disqualification must be specific with the nature of offenses as specified under the CrPC and not in a blanket form, which is against the principles of democracy and natural justice. The petitioner prays that the Court may declare Section 8(3) of the 1951.