Actual Article
Article 325: No person to be ineligible for inclusion in, or to claim to be included in a special, electoral roll on grounds of religion, race, caste, or sex
There shall be one general electoral roll for every territorial constituency for election to either House of Parliament or to the House or either House of the Legislature of a State, and no person shall be ineligible for inclusion in any such roll or claim to be included in any special electoral roll on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, or any of them.
UPSC Notes for Article 325
Explanation:
- General Electoral Roll: Article 325 mandates that there shall be one general electoral roll for each territorial constituency for elections to both Parliament and State Legislatures.
- Non-Discrimination: Ensures that no person is ineligible for inclusion in the electoral roll or can claim to be included in any special electoral roll based solely on religion, race, caste, sex, or any combination of these factors.
- Equality in Electoral Process: Promotes equality in the electoral process by prohibiting discrimination and ensuring that all eligible citizens have the right to vote without prejudice.
Key Points:
- Unified Electoral Roll: Establishes a single, unified electoral roll for each constituency, preventing the creation of separate rolls based on discriminatory criteria.
- Anti-Discrimination: Enforces the principle of non-discrimination in the electoral process, aligning with the broader constitutional commitment to equality.
- Inclusivity: Ensures that the electoral process is inclusive and accessible to all eligible citizens, regardless of their religion, race, caste, or sex.
Important Cases and Commissions Related to Article 325
Cases:
- Kuldip Nayar vs. Union of India (2006): The Supreme Court upheld the importance of a unified electoral roll, emphasizing the constitutional mandate of non-discrimination in the electoral process.
Commissions:
- Election Commission of India: Ensures compliance with Article 325 by maintaining unified and non-discriminatory electoral rolls.
- Law Commission of India: Reviews and recommends reforms to enhance the inclusivity and fairness of the electoral process.
Important Reports Related to Article 325:
- Election Commission Reports: Provide insights into the maintenance of electoral rolls and measures to prevent discrimination in the electoral process.
- Law Commission Reports: Discuss legal frameworks for ensuring non-discrimination and inclusivity in the electoral process.
Previous Year Prelims Questions Related to Article 325
- (UPSC Prelims 2016) According to Article 325 of the Indian Constitution, on what grounds can no person be ineligible for inclusion in the electoral roll?
A. Religion, race, caste, sex
B. Age, nationality, occupation
C. Education, income, property
D. Health, profession, marital status Correct Answer: A. Religion, race, caste, sex - (UPSC Prelims 2018) What does Article 325 mandate regarding the electoral roll for territorial constituencies?
A. Separate electoral rolls based on religion
B. One general electoral roll for each constituency
C. Special electoral rolls for different castes
D. Electoral rolls based on income levels Correct Answer: B. One general electoral roll for each constituency
Previous Year Mains Questions Related to Article 325
- Mains 2016: “Discuss the significance of Article 325 in promoting equality and inclusivity in the electoral process in India. How does this article prevent discrimination based on religion, race, caste, or sex?”
- Mains 2019: “Evaluate the impact of Article 325 on the fairness and integrity of the electoral process. What challenges does the Election Commission face in ensuring compliance with this article?”
Additional Insights:
- Promotion of Democratic Values: Article 325 reinforces democratic values by ensuring that all eligible citizens can participate in the electoral process without facing discrimination.
- Legal Framework for Equality: Provides a constitutional basis for maintaining unified and non-discriminatory electoral rolls, contributing to the overall fairness of elections.
- Role of Election Commission: The Election Commission plays a crucial role in implementing Article 325 by ensuring that electoral rolls are inclusive and non-discriminatory.
Understanding Article 325 is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it provides insights into the mechanisms for ensuring equality and non-discrimination in the electoral process. This knowledge is essential for both preliminary and main examinations, offering a comprehensive understanding of the constitutional provisions and their impact on the conduct of elections within the Indian Constitution.