246 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
regard to the illegal practice, there is no question of intention at all; the practice is declared to be bad, but with regard to the corrupt practice in order to give a finding of guilty, it is necessary to have a finding that the intention was corrupt. You might call your friend to a dinner or lunch during the period when your election is going on. Your opponent may say that you have corrupted him. I do not know whether such a plea could be sustained but under the existing law this proviso was not there and I have tried to square up the thing, because I find that is also the provision in the English law that in a corrupt practice there must be a corrupt intention.
I know that the House is more interested in finding out what provisions are made in this Bill for a free and fair election. That, I think, is the desire of everybody and I therefore will now give to the House the provisions which relate and which are intended to bring about a free and fair election.
(1) All election meetings on the election day and the day preceding such a day have been banned. We have thought that it would be desirable to have two peaceful nights to the voters as well as to the candidates before they go to the polling-booths.
(2) Penalty has been provided for disturbance at election meetings, which I think is very desirable.
(3) Officers performing any duty in connection with an election and police officers have been prohibited from acting for candidates or to influence voters. That you will find in clause 124.
(4) Canvassing in and near polling stations has been prohibited.
(5) Penalty has been provided for disorderly conduct in or near polling stations such as the use of a mega-phone or loud speaker or shouting in or near the polling station.
(6) This is an important thing. The hiring or procuring of conveyances for bringing voters to or from the polling station has been made punishable.
(7) Breaches of official duty in connection with the elections have been made punishable.