UPSC Prelims 2002 Q131: Indian Polity – Elections & Electoral Reforms
In the case of election to the Lok Sabha, the amount of security deposited for general
category candidates and SC/ST category candidates respectively is
- (a) Rs 5,000 and Rs 2,500
- (b) Rs 10,000 and Rs 2,500
- (c) Rs 10,000 and Rs 5,000
- (d) Rs 15,000 and Rs 7,500
Answer: (c) Rs 10,000 and Rs 5,000
Explanation
Security deposit for Lok Sabha candidates
| Candidate | Security deposit |
|---|---|
| General category | Rs 10,000 |
| SC/ST candidates | Rs 5,000 (half of the general amount) |
| Source | Representation of the People Act, 1951, as amended in 1996 |
| Assembly elections | Rs 5,000 and Rs 2,500 |
For election to the Lok Sabha, the security deposit is Rs 10,000 for a general candidate and Rs 5,000 for a candidate belonging to a Scheduled Caste or Scheduled Tribe, as per Section 34 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 after the 1996 amendment.
Answer: (c) Rs 10,000 and Rs 5,000.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Rs 5,000 and Rs 2,500 is the amount for assembly elections.
- (b) Incorrect. The SC/ST amount is Rs 5,000 for the Lok Sabha, not Rs 2,500.
- (c) CORRECT. Rs 10,000 for general and Rs 5,000 for SC/ST candidates.
- (d) Incorrect. Rs 15,000 and Rs 7,500 are not the prescribed amounts.
Key point
Forfeiture: deposit lost if a candidate gets less than one-sixth of valid votes polled.
Remember
Lok Sabha deposit: Rs 10,000 (general), Rs 5,000 (SC/ST).
Common mistakes
- Choosing the assembly figures of Rs 5,000 and Rs 2,500.
- Not remembering the half rate for SC/ST candidates.
- Confusing the deposit with the election expense limit.
Exam tip
The SC/ST deposit is always half the general amount.
Sources
- Representation of the People Act, 1951 — Section 34
- Election Commission of India handbook