151 Indian Lawmakers Face Charges of Crimes Against Women: ADR Report

A recent report by the Association for Democratic Reforms reveals that 151 sitting Indian MPs and MLAs have declared cases related to crimes against women. West Bengal leads with the highest number of implicated lawmakers, followed by Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. The report urges political parties to refrain from nominating candidates with criminal records and calls for faster court proceedings.

A report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) indicates that 151 current Indian lawmakers have declared involvement in cases concerning crimes against women. Of these, West Bengal has the highest number, followed closely by Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

The ADR analyzed 4,693 out of 4,809 affidavits submitted to the Election Commission of India for elections held between 2019 and 2024. The report reveals that 16 MPs and 135 MLAs are facing such charges, with 16 lawmakers also declared to have rape charges under IPC Section 376.

The Bharatiya Janata Party leads with the most representatives facing such accusations, followed by Congress and Telugu Desam Party. The ADR called for political parties to refrain from giving tickets to candidates with such backgrounds and advocated for swifter judicial proceedings.

(With inputs from agencies.)