Question

Consider the following statements about election expenditure limits:

1. The security deposit for a Lok Sabha candidate is ₹25,000, with half for SC/ST candidates.

2. The expenditure limit for Lok Sabha candidates in big states was recently increased to ₹95 lakhs.

3. The expenditure limit for Assembly candidates in small states is ₹28 lakhs.

Which of the statements are correct?

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 2 and 3 only
• C. 1 and 3 only
• D. All are correct

Answer 1

Answer:

D. All are correct

Election Expenditure Limits in India

• Lok Sabha Elections:
  • The security deposit for a Lok Sabha candidate is ₹25,000.
  • Candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) are required to pay half of this amount, i.e., ₹12,500, as a security deposit.
  • The expenditure limit for Lok Sabha candidates in 'big' states (those with more than 35 Lok Sabha seats) has been revised. It was increased to ₹95 lakhs (₹9.5 million) in 2022.
  • For candidates in 'small' states (those with 35 or fewer Lok Sabha seats) and Union Territories, the limit is ₹75 lakhs (₹7.5 million).
• Assembly Elections:
  • The expenditure limit for Assembly candidates in 'big' states is ₹40 lakhs (₹4 million).
  • For Assembly candidates in 'small' states and Union Territories, the limit is ₹28 lakhs (₹2.8 million).
• Recent Revisions:
  • The Election Commission of India (ECI) periodically revises these expenditure limits to account for inflation and changes in campaign costs.
  • The last major revision before 2022 was in 2014. The revision in 2022 aimed to align the limits with the current economic scenario.
  • These limits are crucial for ensuring a level playing field and preventing the undue influence of money power in elections.
  • Candidates must file their election expenditure statements within a stipulated period after the completion of elections. Failure to do so can lead to disqualification.