Constitution of India · Section Article 243F
Disqualifications for membership
Article 243F — Disqualifications for membership
disqualified for being chosen as, and for being, a member of a Panchayat—
- (a) if he is so disqualified by or under any law for the time being in force for the purposes of elections to the Legislature of the State concerned: Provided that no person shall be disqualified on the ground that he is less than twenty-five years of age, if he has attained the age of twentyone years;
- (b) if he is so disqualified by or under any law made by the Legislature of the State. (2) If any question arises as to whether a member of a Panchayat has become subject to any of the disqualifications mentioned in clause (1), the question shall be referred for the decision of such authority and in such manner as the Legislature of a State may, by law, provide.
Plain English Summary
This article sets out the conditions under which a person cannot be chosen as a member of a Panchayat (local governing body). A person is disqualified if they are already barred by any law related to state legislature elections or by laws made by the State Legislature.
Key Points
- A person is disqualified if a law currently in force for state legislature elections disqualifies them from being a Panchayat member.
- They are also disqualified if a law specifically made by the State Legislature disqualifies them.
- There is an exception: a person cannot be disqualified solely because they are under 25 years old if they have already reached the age of twenty-one years.
- Any doubt about a member's eligibility must be decided by the relevant authority as specified by the State Legislature.
Why It Matters
This ensures that only eligible and legally compliant individuals can serve in local governance bodies like Panchayats, maintaining the integrity of local administration.
Landmark Judgements
No major landmark judgements.