New Delhi, June 18
The government said today that it would be seeking the views of the various political parties on the implementation of the Supreme Court directive to the Election Commission to ask candidates contesting parliamentary or Assembly elections to furnish details about their criminal antecedents, if any, to allow voters to make up their mind.

A decision to this effect was taken by the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, Law and Justice Minister Arun Jaitley told reporters after the meeting.

Mr Jaitley said in its five-point directive to the EC, the Apex Court had said a contestant would be required to give details —

1. Whether the candidate is convicted or acquitted or discharged of any criminal offence in the past - if any, whether he is punished with imprisonment or fine

2. Prior to six months of filing of nomination, whether the candidate is accused in any pending case, of any offence punishable with imprisonment for two years or more, and in which charge is framed or cognisance is taken by the court of law, if so details there of;

3. The assets (immovable, movable, bank balances etc.) of a candidate and of his/her spouse and that of dependants;

4. Liabilities, if any, particularly whether there are any overdues of any public financial institution or government.

5. The educational qualifications of the candidate.

Mr Jaitley said in view of the court directive, the EC had approached the government to bring about necessary amendment to the statutory forms so that the directive could be enforced.

Since the Cabinet felt that some legislative measures could be necessary in this regard, it was thought proper to discuss the matter at an all-party meeting before taking a final decision, he said.