Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: The Karnataka High Court has declared the election of a Member of Lok Sabha from the Hassan constituency in the 2019 general elections as null and void.
- The court made this ruling based on findings of corrupt practices during the election process.
The court found that the member had engaged in numerous election corrupt practices, including providing false information about the value of his assets, concealing his actual bank balance, failing to disclose a loan, and not submitting income-tax returns for relevant periods.
Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951 enables the High Court to declare an election void on certain grounds (Conviction of certain offences, Corrupt practices, Failing to declare election expenses, Interests in government contracts or works). The aggrieved person can appeal to the Supreme Court against the order of the High Court.
