151 Sitting MPs, MLAs Face Cases of Crimes Against Women, 16 Accused of Rape

New Delhi: A recent report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) reveals that 151 sitting MPs and MLAs have declared cases related to crimes against women in their election affidavits. West Bengal leads with the highest number of such lawmakers, followed by Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

The ADR examined 4,693 affidavits submitted by sitting MPs and MLAs to the Election Commission of India during elections held between 2019 and 2024. The report identified 16 MPs and 135 MLAs facing charges related to crimes against women. Notably, 16 lawmakers, including two MPs and 14 MLAs, are accused of rape under IPC Section 376, which mandates a minimum sentence of 10 years, extendable to life imprisonment.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has the highest number of representatives (54 MPs and MLAs) with declared cases related to crimes against women, followed by Congress with 23 and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) with 17. Both BJP and Congress have five sitting lawmakers each facing rape charges.

The ADR has strongly recommended that political parties avoid fielding candidates with criminal backgrounds, particularly those accused of rape and other crimes against women. It also called for the fast-tracking of court cases against these lawmakers and urged voters to reject candidates with such charges.