CXX0034 | Election Laws

Election laws govern the process of free and fair elections. Election laws include within its mandate a multiplicity of laws: the Constitution of  India, 1950, the Representation of the People Act, 1950, the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Delimitation Act, 2002, the Election  Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991 the Indian Penal Code, 1860, the  Parliament (Prevention of Disqualification) Act, 1959, the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952, some of which are already  completed at various stages of law school by the aspiring candidates of the course. This course aims to cover specific areas from this wide  array, namely; election administration, election disputes, election finance and regulation of political parties.

The course will start with the foundational theories of democracy and representation, exploring how citizens have their voices heard. The  course will compare and contrast diverse electoral systems employed globally. This comparative analysis will equip you with the skills to  critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches. The course will explore the intricate workings of Indian election  administration, the machinery that is established to ensure free and fair election. The course will help you to explore the role of courts and  tribunals in adjudicating election petitions, gaining insight into the process of challenging election results. Political parties are crucial actors in  Indian elections. We will analyse the legal framework governing their formation, functioning, and internal structures. The course intends to  study the role of political parties within the Indian legal system, particularly in areas like campaigning, fundraising, and election expenditure.