The Rajya Sabha yesterday passed the Representation of the People Act Amendments Bill 2013, taking a step towards negating the Supreme Court order. Once passed by the Lok Sabha the bill will pave the way for leaders to contest elections from jails. The amendments seek to negate the July 10 order of the Supreme Court which held that those in jail cannot vote as per RP Act and hence cannot qualify for contesting elections to Parliament or state legislatures. Moving amendments to the Representation of the People Act, Law Minister Kapil Sibal said the apex court judgement was "clearly erroneous" and advised the judiciary to be "extremely careful" in giving rulings which have an impact on the polity of the country.
