Optional Paper - I: Election Laws
Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Law University, Jaipur · LL.B. Semester 3 · 3.5.1
Unit I — Constitutional and Legal Framework of Elections
1.1 Constitutional basis of elections – Part XV (Articles 324–329) · 1.2 Concept of free, fair and fearless elections – democratic and jurisprudential foundations · 1.3 Role and powers of the Election Commission of India · 1.4 Delimitation of constituencies and reservation of seats · 1.5 Electoral rolls and voter registration – rights, procedures and challenges
Unit II — Statutory Regulation of Elections
2.1 The Representation of the People Act, 1950 – structure and key provisions · 2.2 The Representation of the People Act, 1951 – conduct of elections, nomination, withdrawal and polling · 2.3 Model Code of Conduct – legal nature, enforcement and judicial recognition · 2.4 Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968 · 2.5 Electoral offences and corrupt practices – bribery, undue influence, booth capturing and misuse of government machinery
Unit III — Election Disputes and Judicial Review
3.1 Election petitions and tribunals – jurisdiction and procedure · 3.2 Disqualifications for membership – conviction, defection and office of profit · 3.3 Judicial review of elections – Article 329(b) and limitations · 3.4 Election expenses and disclosure of assets/liabilities · 3.5 Landmark Supreme Court judgments on electoral integrity – PIL Cases PUCL, ADR, Lily Thomas, Subramanian Swamy
Unit IV — Contemporary Issues and Electoral Reforms
4.1 E-voting, VVPAT and electoral technology – legal and ethical aspects · 4.2 Criminalization of politics and debarment of candidates · 4.3 Election funding, transparency and electoral bonds · 4.4 Media, Social Media and Election Laws · 4.5 Reforms and recommendations – Law Commission reports, Election Commission proposals and Supreme Court directions