Union of India v. Association for Democratic Reforms

Brief Facts

The Association for Democratic Reforms filed a PIL before the Delhi High Court seeking implementation of the Law Commission’s 170th Report recommendations requiring election candidates to disclose their criminal antecedents, assets, and educational qualifications. The Union of India challenged the High Court’s directions.

Issues Before the Court

• Whether voters have a right to know about their candidates before casting votes?
• Whether the High Court had jurisdiction to issue such directions?

Ratio Decidendi

The Supreme Court held that the right to information about election candidates is a fundamental right flowing from Article 19(1)(a) — freedom of speech and expression includes the right to receive information. The Court directed the Election Commission to require candidates to disclose:

Impact & Significance

This landmark judgment transformed Indian electoral transparency. It led to mandatory disclosure of criminal records and assets by all candidates, enabling voters to make informed choices. The decision established that democracy requires an informed electorate and laid the foundation for subsequent electoral reform judgments.