Introduction

Elections are considered to be a process to achieve democracy and is an indispensable element in

the establishment and continuation of any democracy. India is having a Constitution that
guarantees a democratic republic to its citizens. The Constitution of India gives a scheme of
democratic bodies/posts as well as an independent constitutional authority bestowed with the
function of conduct of free and fair elections, namely the Election Commission. Free and fair
election is an indispensable part of the Indian democracy. Corrupt practices and offences related
to election are those which interfere in the free exercise of right to vote and includes bribery,
undue influence etc. It is very essential for us to study and understand about electoral offences,
penalties and disqualification. This paper therefore deals with various provisions under the
Representation of People’s Act, 1951 and the Indian Penal Code which discusses electoral
offences. Further, the distinctions between electoral offences and corrupt practices are also
studied.

Research problem

Scope of the research

The research is limited to the problems faced by the Indian electoral system the laws associated
with the elections.

Objectives

*To study about corrupt practices in elections.

*To trace out problems face by the Indian electoral system
*To suggest measures to free, fair and transparent elections

Hypotheses
In India general election was first held in 1951, and still we don't have a free and fair election
resulting in corruption in elections. The possibility of changing this situation by bringing new
amendments or providing suggestions for election commission is nugatory.

Literature review

1. Punishing personal and electoral corruption: Experimental evidence from India

By Simon Weschle May 9, 2016.

2. Fighting corruption or elections? The politics of anti-corruption policies in India: A

subnational study.
By Vadlamannati, Krishna Chaitanya, 2015.

3. Institutions, Democracy and ‘Corruption’ in India: Examining Potency and Performance:

By Shibashis Chatterjee and Sreya Maitra Roychoudhury, 13 August 2013.

Research questions

● Whether the election commission has acted and used their power to their fullest to
introduce such electoral reforms which can make the election process free from
ambiguities and infirmities?
● How does corruption thrive in elections?

Tentative chapterisation

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3

Research methodology
Doctrinal method of Research will be applied in this study. Data for the present study will be
collected through primary(Books) and secondary(Online) sources. The research will be focused
on statutes, case laws and other legal sources and will also make use of various articles
associated with the subject-matter.

Conclusion

The most glaring example of the erosion of democratic and moral values is the evil of political
defections. It is believed that corruption, bribery and lust of power is behind this problem. Sale
and purchase of legislators and the defections or counter-defections are the root causes of
instability in the present era of coalition governments.