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League of Nation: The international organization between two World Wars

  The League of Nations was an intergovernmental organization founded on January 10, 1920, as part of the Treaty of Versailles that ended World War I. It was established with the aim of promoting international cooperation, resolving disputes, and preventing future conflicts. The League of Nations was proposed by President Woodrow Wilson of the United States as one of his Fourteen Points for peace. The League's charter was included in the Treaty of Versailles, which was signed by the victorious Allied powers and Germany. The League's headquarters were located in Geneva, Switzerland. The League of Nations consisted of two main bodies: the Assembly and the Council. The Assembly served as a forum for all member states to discuss and vote on important issues, while the Council was responsible for making decisions and taking action on matters of international concern. The Council consisted of permanent members (the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Japan) and non-permanent members e...
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Criminalization of Politics: A Disease for Democracy

 Criminalization of politics refers to the infiltration of criminals or individuals with a history of criminal activities into the political process. This phenomenon occurs when individuals with criminal backgrounds, such as those who have been convicted of serious crimes like murder, corruption, and money laundering, are able to successfully run for public office, hold political positions, or exert influence on political parties or leaders.



Criminalization of politics can have negative impacts on democratic institutions and the rule of law, as it can lead to a breakdown of trust in government and undermine the legitimacy of democratic processes. It can also result in the creation of a culture of impunity, where criminal activities are normalized and tolerated in political circles.

Legal aspect of disqualification of legislature with conviction for crime:

The Indian Constitution does not outline the criteria for disqualifying a person from running for elections. However, the Representation of Peoples Act 1951 specifies that a person convicted of certain offenses and sentenced to more than two years in jail cannot contest elections for six years after their release. The law does not prevent individuals with pending criminal cases from contesting elections, and disqualification depends on their conviction in these cases.

Reason for criminalization of politics in India:

There are several reasons why criminalization of politics has become a prevalent issue in India:

1.       Weaknesses in the Political System: The Indian political system has various weaknesses that make it easier for individuals with criminal backgrounds to enter politics. For example, political parties often rely on money and muscle power to win elections, and they may overlook the criminal backgrounds of their candidates if they can help the party win.

2.        Low Public Awareness: Many voters in India may not be fully aware of the criminal backgrounds of the candidates they are voting for, or they may feel that the candidates with criminal records are better equipped to protect their interests and address their concerns.

3.      Slow Judicial Process: The slow pace of the Indian judicial process can lead to delays in the prosecution of criminal cases against politicians, allowing them to continue in office and even contest elections. Lack of Accountability: There is often a lack of accountability among political leaders in India, as they may use their influence and power to protect themselves from legal consequences.

4.        Inadequate Laws: The existing laws in India do not provide adequate measures to prevent individuals with criminal records from entering politics or holding public office. For example, the Representation of Peoples Act, which outlines the criteria for disqualifying candidates with criminal records, only applies to those who have been convicted and sentenced to more than two years in prison. Candidates with pending criminal cases can still contest elections.

Overall, the criminalization of politics in India is a complex issue that is influenced by several factors. Addressing this problem will require a multifaceted approach that involves strengthening the political system, increasing public awareness, improving the judicial process, ensuring accountability among political leaders, and enacting more effective laws.

Impact:

The criminalization of politics can have several negative impacts on a society, including:

1.        Weakening of Democratic Institutions: When individuals with criminal backgrounds are allowed to hold public office, it can undermine the legitimacy of democratic institutions and the rule of law. It can lead to a breakdown of trust in government and a sense of powerlessness among citizens.

2.        Impunity: The presence of criminal elements in politics can create a culture of impunity, where criminal activities are normalized and tolerated in political circles. This can result in a situation where corrupt practices become the norm and are no longer considered illegal or immoral.

3.        Corruption: Criminalization of politics often leads to corruption as those with criminal backgrounds may use their power and influence for personal gain. This can result in mismanagement of public funds, lack of accountability, and the inability of government to deliver essential services to the citizens. Criminalization of Society: When criminals are allowed to hold public office, it sends a message that criminal activities are acceptable and even rewarded. This can lead to the wider criminalization of society as more individuals may be tempted to engage in criminal activities.

4.       Deterioration of Social Cohesion: Criminalization of politics can lead to the erosion of social cohesion as citizens may lose faith in the political system and become increasingly disillusioned. This can result in polarization and division, and can ultimately threaten the stability and unity of society.

Overall, the impact of criminalization of politics can be far-reaching and damaging. It is essential to address this problem and take steps to ensure that politics remains free from criminal elements and that democratic institutions remain strong and resilient.

Way ahead:

State Funding of Elections: Monetary power plays important role during election and after and hence funding is important for the politicians. Various committees (Dinesh Goswami, Inderjeet Committee) on the electoral reforms have recommended state funding of elections which will curb use of black money to a large extent and thereby will have a significant impact on limiting criminalization of politics.

Strengthening Election Commission: Regulating the affairs of a political party is essential for a cleaner electoral process. The political parties tend to adopt various unfair means for victory in the election either to come to power or retain power and hence promote criminal culture. Therefore, it is imperative to strengthen the Election Commission of India.

Vigilant Voters: Political awareness among the voters is as important as any other in a democratic politics. Without informed and aware citizenry the true democracy cannot be realized. Voters also need to be vigilant about misuse of money, gifts and other inducements during elections.

Proactive Role of Judiciary: Given the reluctance by the political parties to curb criminalisation of politics and its growing detrimental effects on Indian democracy, Indian courts must now seriously consider banning people accused with serious criminal charges from contesting elections.

 

 

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