Under Supreme Court directions in ADR case (2002), candidates must file affidavits disclosing criminal cases, assets, liabilities, and educational qualifications with their ______ while contesting elections.
- party office
- Returning Officer
- Election Commission
- District Magistrate
Answer: Returning Officer
ADR v. Union of India (2002): SC directed ECI to require candidates to submit affidavits with Returning Officer at time of nomination, disclosing: (a) Criminal cases pending, (b) Assets/liabilities of candidate and spouse, (c) Educational qualification. Affidavits made public on ECI website for voter information. Foundation for electoral transparency; enables media/civil society scrutiny of candidates.