In a significant order concerning elections, the Supreme Court on Thursday said voters have a fundamental right to know about the criminal background of a candidate and directed the Election Commission to issue necessary orders within two months making it mandatory for candidates to declare cases pending against them as well as their assets and liabilities. A three-judge Bench comprising Justice MB Shah, Justice BP Singh and Justice HK Sema agreed with the Delhi High Court directive and said the candidates should also declare their educational qualification, whether they have been convicted and assets of their spouses and dependants.

The court said information about candidates is a vital part of the right to know of a voter which is crucial to democracy.
Justice Shah, writing the judgement for the Bench, said a voter exercises his right to expression by casting his vote and hence should know everything about the candidate. Bureau Report