PEOPLE'S UNION FOR CIVIL LIBERTIES vs UNION OF INDIA

The Supreme Court reaffirmed that democracy and free and fair elections are fundamental features of the Constitution, emphasizing the importance of periodic elections and the right of voters to choose their representatives without manipulation. The Court held that the Election Commission has the authority under Article 324 to issue directions ensuring transparency in elections, including the requirement for candidates to disclose their assets and any criminal cases against them. This judgment builds on precedents such as Mohinder Singh Gill v. Chief Election Commissioner and Union of India v. Association for Democratic Reforms, establishing that voters have the right to relevant information to make informed choices.