Supreme Court refuses to hear PIL to stop namesake, imposter candidates from contesting polls

The Supreme Court on Friday refused to entertain a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking directions to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take steps to solve the issue of namesake, imposter and duplicate candidates from participating in elections. [Sabu Steephen v. Election Commission of India].A Bench of Justices BR Gavai, SC Sharma and Sandeep Mehta said that people could not be barred from contesting elections just because their respective parents gave them similar names.."We know the fate of the case. If parents have given similar names to candidates, how can they be prevented from contesting? Like Rahul Gandhi and Lalu Prasad Yadav," the Court said..Counsel for the petitioner then withdrew the plea..The PIL, filed by one Sabu Steephen through Advocate VK Biju, stated that the practice of fielding namesake, duplicate or double candidates is an old trick to create confusion in the minds of voters and needs to be curtailed.Confusion being replaced with clarity is the need of the hour, which can be achieved by way of proper amendment, modifications in the Representation of the People Act and Conduct of Elections Rules, the plea added.The plea further stated that the practice is unhealthy and corrupt, as namesake candidates may not possess knowledge and awareness about political and administrative systems in India."They are getting “sponsorships” from rival parties, which include, money, materials and other offers including liquor and the same squarely covered the corrupt practices as indicated in the RP Act 1951. Therefore many leaders from all the National as well as the State Parties and their leaders are the victims of such practices and ultimately the same is adversely affecting the will of the people," the petition stated..Accordingly, it sought a slew of directions to the ECI, including a direction to publish the candidates' list with serial number and coloured photographs. It also sought a direction to conduct a 'meet the candidates' programme and to disqualify those candidates who do not attend.