Expel the guilty

Sir, - The article `A convicted democracy' by Mr. Rajeev Dhavan, (May 4), is an analysis in depth. The conclusion that the Indian democracy is more important than any individual's political career is hundred per cent true.

We are aware of the legal battles being fought by criminals and other convicted persons to be allowed to contest the elections. To avoid these long legal processes, a sitting MLA or MP found guilty should be expelled from the post he holds. In the case of MLAs and MLCs the High Courts should be given the authority to decide the matter of disqualification and other inter-State crimes involving them.

As per Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, the three kinds of criminality for disqualification should be amalgamated into one. Under Sections 8(1), 8(2), 8(3) the maximum years of disqualification is six years. This time period is too short and should be extended. The Election Commission should have a judicial body on a par with the Supreme Court to settle electoral disputes, with judges having the status of a Judge of the Supreme Court.

P.G. Premlal,

Ernakulam (Kerala)

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