Theme T98 · Constitution & Polity

Elections & electoral reforms: RPA, ECI, MCC, ONOE, EVMs

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What UPSC asks

A repeated theme: corrupt practices under RPA and disproportionate assets, election disputes and grounds for voiding, disqualification and remedies, ECI and MCC, ONOE, EVM trust, ECI's 2016 reforms, voting as a right and voter-roll revision.

Prepare these

• RPA 1951: Sections 8, 100, 123
• Election petitions in High Court
• MCC evolution and enforcement
• ONOE: Kovind Committee
• EVM/VVPAT safeguards
• Right to vote: statutory vs constitutional debate

Answer writing

• Cite sections, committees and cases

Directive words in these PYQs: Discuss (5), Examine (2), Suggest (2), Analyse (1), Comment (1), Mention (1).

Linked themes

Comes back later in

Later themes that take this one further.

Syllabus lines covered

• GS2-L7 — Salient features of the Representation of People's Act.

All 10 PYQs, newest first

1. GS22026GS2-POL-13-M2026-S01

   Is the right to vote a fundamental right? Discuss the position of the Election Commission of India while undertaking the revision of electoral rolls. Can it also examine the question of citizenship of voters (150 words)?

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2. GS2202510 marks · 150 wordsGS2-POL-13-M2025-Q01

   Discuss the 'corrupt practices' for the purpose of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Analyze whether the increase in the assets of the legislators and/or their associates, disproportionate to their known sources of income, would constitute undue influence and consequently a corrupt practice.

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3. GS2202410 marks · 150 wordsGS2-POL-13-M2024-Q01

   Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to "one nation – one election" principle.

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4. GS2202215 marks · 250 wordsGS2-POL-13-M2022-Q11

   Discuss the procedures to decide the disputes arising out of the election of a Member of the Parliament or a State Legislature under the Representation of People Act 1951. What are the grounds on which the election of any returned candidate may be declared void? What remedy is available to the aggrieved party against the decision? Refer to the case laws

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5. GS2202215 marks · 250 wordsGS2-POL-13-M2022-Q15

   Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in light of the evolution of the Model Code of Conduct.

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6. GS22020GS2-POL-13-M2020-S01

   “There is a need for simplification of procedure for disqualification of persons found guilty of corrupt practices under the Representation of Peoples Act”. Comment.

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7. GS22019GS2-POL-13-M2019-S01

   On what grounds a people’s representative can be disqualified under the Representation of People Act, 1951? Also mention the remedies available to such person against his disqualification.

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8. GS22018GS2-POL-13-M2018-S01

   In the light of recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure the trustworthiness of elections in India?

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9. GS22017GS2-POL-13-M2017-S01

   ‘Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government’s accountability to the people’ Discuss.

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10. GS22017GS2-POL-13-M2017-S02

    To enhance the quality of democracy in India the Election Commission of India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are they significant to make democracy successful?

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