RuleMate India

SHORT ANSWER: The Supreme Court of India has made several landmark rulings related to electoral reforms. DETAILS: - The Supreme Court ruled in the case of **Union of India v. Association for Democratic Reforms (2002)** that candidates must disclose their criminal records, assets, and liabilities. - In **Lily Thomas v. Union of India (2013)**, the Court ruled that a person convicted of a crime cannot contest elections. - The **Supreme Court in 2018** ruled that the Election Commission must ensure that political parties disclose their funding sources. - The Court also mandated the use of **Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT)** along with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to ensure transparency. PUNISHMENT / IMPLICATIONS (if applicable): - Candidates failing to disclose required information may be disqualified from contesting elections. - Political parties not complying with funding disclosure may face penalties. SOURCE: - Various Supreme Court Judgments, Election Commission of India.