The right to vote is considered a fundamental right in a democratic society, as reflected in the Constitution of India. However, it has been reported from government sources that prisoners in telangana will not have the right to vote in the upcoming elections scheduled for november 30. This exclusion from voting rights applies to all prisoners, except those who have been arrested and imprisoned under the Prevention of Dangerous Activities (PD) Act.
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Telangana, with a total of 37 jails, houses over 8,000 prisoners, including those who have been convicted and sentenced, as well as individuals facing trial for various criminal charges. According to government sources, none of these prisoners, except around 70 individuals arrested under the PD Act, will be eligible to vote.
The government is said to be implementing measures such as postal ballots for those arrested under the PD Act, and there is even a provision to set up polling centers within jails if necessary. The anomaly arises from the fact that while prisoners facing criminal charges are denied the right to vote, individuals with serious criminal charges against them are allowed to contest elections. It raises questions about how individuals who are disqualified from voting can still exercise their right to contest elections.
In the current elections, 230 individuals with serious criminal charges are reportedly contesting on behalf of various parties. The report also highlights instances from other states where criminals, even while incarcerated, have not only contested elections but also emerged victorious. The article concludes by questioning the inconsistency in denying prisoners the right to vote while allowing them to contest elections.
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