The Supreme Court has ruled that private citizens can now complain against candidates for false election affidavits. The top court clarified that existing legal restrictions will not prevent individuals from filing such complaints against candidates who provide inaccurate sworn statements.
Under Section 195 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, criminal courts are generally barred from taking direct cognisance of specific offences unless a written complaint is formally filed by an authorized public servant or the concerned court. The ruling ensures this procedural barrier does not hinder private complainants from seeking legal recourse.
The decision shifts the burden of initiating proceedings, allowing ordinary voters to hold candidates accountable for perjury during the electoral process.
