Criminalisation of Politics UPSC Mains Questions

Here are some sample UPSC Mains questions related to the criminalization of politics:

1. Discuss the phenomenon of criminalization of politics in India, highlighting its causes, consequences, and implications for democratic governance. What measures should be taken to address this issue effectively?
2. Analyze the role of money, muscle power, and criminal networks in perpetuating the nexus between crime and politics in India. How do these factors undermine the integrity of electoral processes and democratic institutions?
3. Evaluate the effectiveness of legal and regulatory mechanisms, such as the Representation of the People Act, in preventing individuals with criminal backgrounds from contesting elections and holding public office. What reforms are necessary to strengthen these mechanisms?
4. Discuss the ethical dilemmas faced by political parties in India when fielding candidates with criminal records. How can parties balance electoral considerations with the imperative of upholding democratic values and public trust?
5. Critically assess the role of civil society, media, and judiciary in exposing and combating the criminalization of politics in India. How can these stakeholders collaborate to hold politicians accountable and promote transparency in electoral processes?
6. Examine the impact of criminalization of politics on governance, public service delivery, and socio-economic development in India. How does the presence of criminal elements in politics hinder efforts to address pressing social issues and promote inclusive growth?
7. Discuss the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in investigating and prosecuting cases of political corruption and criminality. What reforms are necessary to enhance the capacity and independence of these agencies in tackling the nexus between crime and politics?
8. Evaluate the role of electoral reforms, such as state funding of elections and stricter disclosure requirements for political candidates, in reducing the influence of money and muscle power in Indian politics. How can these reforms be implemented effectively?
9. Assess the impact of judicial pronouncements, such as the Supreme Court’s directives on disclosure of criminal antecedents by political candidates, in curbing the criminalization of politics. What further judicial interventions may be necessary to address this issue?
10. Discuss the comparative experiences of other countries in addressing the problem of criminalization of politics. What lessons can India learn from international best practices in promoting clean and accountable governance?

These questions cover various dimensions of the criminalization of politics in India and provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the challenges involved and exploring potential solutions to address this pressing issue.