Declaration of Criminal Antecedents, Assets, etc., by Candidates

In 2003, the election Commission issued an order15 directing every candidate seeking election to the Parliament or a State

Legislature to furnish on his nomination paper the information on the following matters.

(i) Whether the candidate has been convicted or acquitted or discharged in any criminal offence in the past? Whether he/she was imprisoned or fined?

(ii) Prior to six months of filing nomination, whether the candidate is accused in any pending case, of any offence punishable with imprisonment for two years or more, and in which charges were framed or cognizance was taken by a court; if so, the details thereof

(iii) The assets (immovable, movable, bank balances, etc.) of a candidate and his/ her spouse and that of dependents

(iv) Liabilities, if any, particularly whether there are any dues of any public financial institution or government dues

(v) The educational qualifications of the candidate

Furnishing of any false information in the affidavit is now an electoral offence punishable with imprisonment upto six months or fine or both.