The Election Commission on Wednesday told Supreme Court that there should be a life term ban on convicted parliamentarians and MLAs from contesting polls.
The existing law disqualifies politicians sentenced to a jail term of two years or more from contesting elections for six years from the date of release from prison.
The development comes just few months after the poll panel faced the flak of the top court for not taking a clear stand on a plea seeking barring of convicted politicians for life.
"Is silence an option for you (ECI)? You must say either 'yes' or 'no' on whether you are supporting the petitioner. You are the ECI and here is a citizen of India who has come here to seek life-time debarment of convicted persons. Can you say I will be silent? No, you cannot," the bench said.
"If you (ECI) feel constrained by the legislature, then let us know. If you are even constrained to the extent of giving your view, feel free and say so clearly," it said.
The Election Commission's latest move could have far reaching consequences on Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad who has been convicted in fodder scam and AIADMK's VK Sasikala.
