ADR study finds missing criminal case disclosures for candidates

A study by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) reveals that major political parties failed to comply with Supreme Court mandates regarding the disclosure of candidates with criminal backgrounds. In recent assembly elections held in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and the Union Territory of Puducherry, 191 out of 1,405 candidates with declared criminal cases lacked the required Form C-7 disclosures.

Under a 2020 Supreme Court directive, political parties must explain why they selected candidates with criminal antecedents over those without, citing qualifications, achievements, or merit rather than just “winnability”. The ADR analysis of 51 political parties found that while 86% of candidates with criminal cases had disclosures, many parties used repetitive or identical justifications, such as labeling candidates as “popular social workers” or “grassroots leaders.”

Regional data shows Tamil Nadu had the highest number of missing disclosures, followed by West Bengal and Kerala. Specific party findings noted that the BJP failed to publish disclosures for eight candidates, while the Congress omitted details for 13. The Trinamool Congress provided disclosures for all 116 of its candidates with criminal cases.