Article 326 of the Constitution of India
Article 326 of the Constitution of India deals with the right to vote in elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
📜 Text of Article 326 – Elections to the House of the People and to the Legislative Assemblies of States to be on the basis of adult suffrage
The elections to the House of the People and to the Legislative Assembly of every State shall be on the basis of adult suffrage;
that is to say, every person who is a citizen of India and who is not less than eighteen years of age on such date as may be fixed in that behalf by or under any law made by the appropriate Legislature, and is not otherwise disqualified under this Constitution or any law made by the appropriate Legislature on the ground of non-residence, unsoundness of mind, crime or corrupt or illegal practice, shall be entitled to be registered as a voter at any such election.
✅ Key Features and Explanation:
Universal Adult Suffrage:
The Article provides for universal adult franchise, meaning every Indian citizen aged 18 and above has the right to vote.
Conditions for Eligibility:
Must be a citizen of India.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Must not be disqualified due to:
Non-residence in the constituency,
Unsoundness of mind,
Criminal offenses, or
Corrupt or illegal practices in elections.
Legal Framework:
The detailed rules regarding voter eligibility and disqualifications are framed under The Representation of the People Act, 1950.
Historical Change:
Originally, the voting age was 21 years, but the 61st Constitutional Amendment Act, 1988 lowered it to 18 years.
🧠 Summary:
Article 326 ensures democracy in India by granting the right to vote to all adult citizens, subject to reasonable restrictions. It is a cornerstone of India's representative democratic system.
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