Crime, Corruption And A Collapse Of Clean Politics In India
- IJLLR Journal
- Dec 26, 2025
- 1 min read
Aditi Sinha, Iswar Saran Degree College, Prayagraj. (A constituent PG college of the University of Allahabad)
ABSTRACT
This essay critically examines the deepening nexus between crime, corruption and politics in India and its corrosive impact on our democratic governance. It relies on empirical data, judicial pronouncements, statutory framework and the Vohra Committee report 1993 in particular to analyse the structural factors that have normalised presence of criminal elements in Indian politics. The essay evaluates how loopholes in country’s electoral laws, politicisation of investigative agencies, identity-based politics and a sluggish criminal justice collectively hollow out the democratic institutions from within. It further touches upon the subject of crony-capitalism and explores how mounting election costs lead to opaque political funding, thereby inviting rich underworlds in the game of politics. It uses illustrative case studies to highlight how societies with rampant criminal activity usually have lower ease of doing business, hindering the region’s growth and development as a result. Giving power in hands of criminals weakens ethical governance and also erodes public trust in the government. The essay further reviews various judicial and institutional responses and demonstrates why these measures have yielded only limited success. Ultimately, it argues that the crises does not stem from a lack of legal provisions but from systemic failures in its implementation. The essay concludes by advocating reforms that are focussed on strengthening institutions, ensuring swift justice, enhancing transparency in political funding and fostering informed and responsible voter participation as an indispensable step towards restoring integrity in Indian politics.
