LANDMARK CASE

Union of India v. Association for Democratic Reforms

(2002) 5 SCC 294 · Supreme Court of India · Election law

At a glance

Citation: (2002) 5 SCC 294
Court: Supreme Court of India
Area of law: Election law
In one line: Yes. It is part of freedom of expression, and the Election Commission was directed to require disclosure.

1 Facts

An NGO sought disclosure of candidates' criminal, financial and educational background.

2 Issue

Do voters have a right to know about candidates?

3 What the court decided

Yes. It is part of freedom of expression, and the Election Commission was directed to require disclosure.

4 Why it matters

It led to candidate affidavits now standard in elections.

5 Think about it

How does information help voters exercise their rights?

6 Analyse it yourself

Read the full judgment from an official source or a law database, then brief it in seven steps: facts, issues, arguments, decision, ratio, obiter and significance. Always check the citation before you rely on it.

7 More cases on Election law

Anoop Baranwal v. Union of India (2023) 6 SCC 161
Kuldip Nayar v. Union of India (2006) 7 SCC 1
Lily Thomas v. Union of India (Disqualification of Legislators) (2013) 7 SCC 653
Lok Prahari v. Union of India (2018) 4 SCC 699
Mohinder Singh Gill v. Chief Election Commissioner (1978) 1 SCC 405
N.P. Ponnuswami v. Returning Officer, Namakkal AIR 1952 SC 64

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