The Law Ministry and the Election Commission of India are actively considering a proposal to bar the entry of criminals in politics by amending the Law.

Chief Election Commissioner S Y Qureshi indicated yesterday at a photography exhibition on elections organised jointly by Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, that under the proposed amendment, those against whom criminal charges have been framed by the court, will not be allowed to contest the elections.

At present, a candidate can contest till he was held guilty by a court of law. Under the Representation of the People's Act, a person can contest election even after his conviction if the appellate court stays his conviction.

The Election Commission will also propose to the government to debar those candidates who resort to 'paid news' to get publicity for themselves during the election campaign.

Regarding the media persons, including editors who publish such news, the CEC said it was not his concern. He was only focussing on poll reforms aimed at cleansing the electoral system in the country and to eradicate the influence of money and muscle power.

The Law Ministry is fully backing the election commission in these efforts. UNI