Question

Which of the following statements regarding the age limit for contesting elections in India are correct?

1. The minimum age for Lok Sabha membership is 25 years.

2. The minimum age for Rajya Sabha membership is 30 years.

3. The minimum age for contesting Panchayat elections is 21 years.

4. The minimum age for contesting Presidential elections is 30 years.

• A. 1, 2 and 3 only
• B. 2, 3 and 4 only
• C. 1, 3 and 4 only
• D. All are correct

Answer 1

Answer:

A. 1, 2 and 3 only

Indian Polity: Elections and Age Eligibility

• Lok Sabha Membership: The minimum age requirement to be eligible for election as a member of the Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament) is 25 years. This is stipulated in Article 84(b) of the Constitution of India.
• Rajya Sabha Membership: To be elected as a member of the Rajya Sabha (the upper house of Parliament), a candidate must be at least 30 years old. This is also outlined in Article 84(b) of the Constitution.
• Panchayat Elections: The Representation of the People Act, 1951, specifies that the minimum age for contesting elections to Panchayats (local self-government bodies) is 21 years. This aligns with the age of majority in India.
• Presidential Elections: While not explicitly mentioned in the options provided, it's important to note for competitive exams that the minimum age to be eligible for election as the President of India is 35 years, as per Article 58(1)(b) of the Constitution. This is a common point of confusion and a frequent exam question.
• Other Elected Offices: For most state legislative assembly elections, the minimum age is also 25 years, similar to the Lok Sabha.
• Constitutional Basis: The eligibility criteria for various elected offices in India are primarily laid down in the Constitution of India and supplemented by acts like the Representation of the People Acts.