The Supreme Court has ruled that any ordinary voter may lodge a criminal complaint against a candidate who furnishes false details or hides information in a nomination affidavit. Candidates must declare assets, educational qualifications and criminal antecedents in their nominations. Under Section 125-A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, such an offence carries imprisonment of up to 6 months, a fine, or both. The Court said a private person can file the complaint, so it is not restricted to public servants or competent authorities, and Section 195 of the CrPC does not bar citizens. Section 125-A was added in 2002 to improve electoral transparency.
