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.
The Representation of the People Act, 1951, defines 'corrupt practices' to safeguard the sanctity of elections. These include bribery, undue influence, appealing to voters on grounds of religion, race, or caste, promoting enmity between classes, and booth capturing. These acts can lead to the election being declared void.
While a disproportionate increase in assets is not explicitly listed as a 'corrupt practice', it can be strongly argued to constitute 'undue influence'. Such an accumulation of wealth raises serious questions about quid pro quo arrangements and misuse of office. It suggests that a legislator may have leveraged their position for illicit financial gain, which inherently interferes with the free exercise of their official duties and the electorate's trust. The Supreme Court has also linked the necessity of asset declaration to curbing the role of money power in politics, implicitly connecting unexplained wealth to a corruption of the democratic process.
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"The growth of cabinet system has practically resulted in the marginalisation of the parliamentary supremacy.” Elucidate.
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