UPSC Prelims 2017 Q57: Indian Polity – Elections & Electoral Reforms
For election to the Lok Sabha, a nomination paper can be filed by
- (a) anyone residing in India.
- (b) a resident of the constituency from which the election is to be contested.
- (c) any citizen of India whose name appears in the electoral roll of a constituency.
- (d) any citizen of India.
Answer: (c) any citizen of India whose name appears in the electoral roll of a constituency.
Explanation
Who can file a nomination for the Lok Sabha?
| Requirement | Source | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Citizen of India | Article 84 | Must also take the oath |
| Age | Article 84 | At least 25 years |
| Elector | Section 4, Representation of the People Act, 1951 | Name must be in the electoral roll of any parliamentary constituency |
The candidate need not be a resident or voter of the constituency contested.
For a reserved seat, the candidate must belong to the Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes.
The options checked:
| Option | Verdict |
|---|---|
| (a) Anyone residing in India | Incorrect; residence is not enough |
| (b) A resident of the constituency | Incorrect; not required |
| (c) Any citizen whose name appears in the electoral roll of a constituency | Correct |
| (d) Any citizen of India | Incorrect; must also be an elector |
Answer: (c) any citizen of India whose name appears in the electoral roll of a constituency.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Residing in India is not enough; the person must be a citizen and an elector.
- (b) Incorrect. A candidate need not be a resident of the constituency being contested.
- (c) CORRECT. A citizen whose name is in the electoral roll of any constituency can file.
- (d) Incorrect. Citizenship alone is not enough; the name must be in an electoral roll.
Key point
Lok Sabha candidate: citizen of India, at least 25 years, and an elector in any parliamentary constituency (Section 4, RPA 1951).
Remember
Lok Sabha candidate = citizen + elector of any constituency.
Common mistakes
- Thinking a candidate must be a voter of the same constituency.
- Stopping at citizenship and forgetting the electoral roll condition.
- Confusing the candidate with the proposer, who must be an elector of that constituency.
Exam tip
Candidate: elector anywhere in India. Proposer: elector of that constituency.
Sources
- Representation of the People Act, 1951 — Section 4
- Constitution of India — Article 84