Newdelhi: The Centre has moved the Supreme Court seeking a relook of two landmark judgements disqualifying convicted MPs and MLAs and debarring arrested persons from contesting polls. The Centre contended that protecting convicted MPs and MLAs from disqualification during pendency of appeal is necessary to protect the House and to ensure that governance is not adversely impacted.

The apex court had on July 10 held that an MP or MLA convicted of any criminal offence attracting a punishment of two years and above will be disqualified immediately and a person, who is in jail or in police custody, cannot contest election to legislative bodies. The verdicts have been widely opposed by politicians cutting across party lines.