SC says candidates contesting elections must disclose source of income

The Supreme Court on Friday directed all candidates contesting elections to disclose their sources of income, including those of their spouse and dependent children. The law currently requires a candidate to disclose details of assets and liabilities for themselves, spouse and three dependents in Form 26 while filing nomination papers, but not the source of income.

Hearing the public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Lok Prahari, an NGO that fights corruption, the two bench judge headed by Justice J Chelameswar and comprising of justice S Abdul Nazeer directed the candidate has to disclose his, his wife's and dependent children's source of income when they file nomination for elections.

Earlier in January, seeking amendment in the Representation of the People Act to ensure disqualification of the candidate not only when he has an existing contract with the government but also when any member of his family has a similar financial agreement, the Election Commission had told the apex court that it must be made mandatory for the candidates to disclose their sources of income along with that of their spouse and dependents at the time of filing nomination to bring transparency in the election process.

Lok Prahri, the NGO also sought the court’s direction to amend the Representation of the People Act to make it mandatory for candidates to disclose the sources of their income and that of their family members.

With IANS inputs.