Question

Identify correct statements related to election deposits and expenditure limits:

1. The deposit amount for candidates contesting the Lok Sabha elections is Rs. 25,000 for general candidates.

2. SC/ST candidates have to deposit half the amount as general candidates in Lok Sabha elections.

3. Maximum election expenditure for Lok Sabha candidates in large states was hiked to Rs. 95 lakh recently.

4. The deposit amount for the Vice President elections is Rs. 50,000.

• A. 1, 2 and 3 only
• B. 1 and 4 only
• C. 2 and 4 only
• D. All of the above

Answer 1

Answer:

A. 1, 2 and 3 only

Election Deposits and Expenditure Limits

• Lok Sabha Elections: Deposit Amount

  • For General Candidates contesting Lok Sabha elections, the security deposit is Rs. 25,000.

  • Candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) or Scheduled Tribes (ST) are required to deposit half of this amount, which is Rs. 12,500.

• Lok Sabha Elections: Expenditure Limit

  • The Election Commission of India (ECI) periodically revises the expenditure limits for candidates.

  • Recently, for Lok Sabha elections in large states (with an electorate of more than 30 lakh), the maximum expenditure limit was increased to Rs. 95 lakh.

  • For Lok Sabha elections in smaller states (with an electorate of up to 30 lakh) and Union Territories, the limit was raised to Rs. 75 lakh.

  • For Assembly Elections in large states, the limit is Rs. 40 lakh, and in smaller states/UTs, it's Rs. 30 lakh.

• Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections: Deposit Amount

  • For Presidential elections, the security deposit is Rs. 15,000.

  • For Vice-Presidential elections, the security deposit is also Rs. 15,000.

  • The deposit is made by the candidate or on their behalf by a proposer.

• Forfeiture of Deposit

  • A candidate loses their security deposit if they fail to secure at least one-sixth (1/6th) of the total valid votes cast in the constituency.

  • This rule applies to both Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.

• Purpose of Deposits

  • The deposit system aims to prevent frivolous candidates from contesting elections and ensure a certain level of seriousness among contestants.

  • It is a mechanism to curb the proliferation of non-serious candidates who might otherwise contest elections without a genuine intent.

Key Constitutional and Statutory Provisions:

• The Representation of the People Act, 1951, governs various aspects of elections in India, including deposits and expenditure.

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) has the authority to set and revise expenditure limits, often in consultation with the government.