Eligibility of members of Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes to hold seats not reserved for those castes or tribes
Section 55 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 deals with eligibility of members of Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes to hold seats not reserved for those castes or tribes. For the avoidance of doubt it is hereby declared that a member of the Scheduled Castes or of the Scheduled Tribes shall not be disqualified to hold a seat not reserved for members of those castes or tribes, if he is otherwise qualified to hold such seats under the Constitution and this Act [or under The Act came into force on 17 Jul 1951.
For the avoidance of doubt it is hereby declared that a member of the Scheduled Castes or of the Scheduled Tribes shall not be disqualified to hold a seat not reserved for members of those castes or tribes, if he is otherwise qualified to hold such seats under the Constitution and this Act 1[or under the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963 (20 of 1963), as the case may be].
Section 55, The Representation of the People Act, 1951 (Act 43 of 1951).
Questions about Section 55
What does Section 55 of the Representation of the People Act deal with?
Section 55 of the Representation of the People Act is headed "Eligibility of members of Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes to hold seats not reserved for those castes or tribes". For the avoidance of doubt it is hereby declared that a member of the Scheduled Castes or of the Scheduled Tribes shall not be disqualified to hold a seat not reserved for members of those castes or tribes, if he is otherwise qualified to hold such seats under the Constitution and this Act [or under
How do I find court cases under Section 55 of the Representation of the People Act?
In judgments and charge sheets this section is written several ways, and each form finds a different set of orders. These search the full text of every order eCourtsIndia holds, best matches first: RP Act 1951 55, section 55 RP Act 1951, section 55 of the Representation of the People Act. Each opens the full list of orders on eCourtsIndia, where it can be narrowed by court, year and outcome.
When did Section 55 of the Representation of the People Act come into force?
Section 55 of the Representation of the People Act, cited as RP Act 1951 55, came into force on 17 Jul 1951, having been enacted on 17 Jul 1951. It is in force as at the date shown on this page.
Other sections of this Act
- 123. Corrupt practices1710 words
- 33. Presentation of nomination paper and requirement for a valid nomination1149 words
- 8. Disqualification on conviction for certain offences898 words
- 75A. Declaration of assets and liabilities659 words
- 39. Nomination of candidates at other elections632 words
- 36. Scrutiny of nominations596 words
Source and method. Compiled from the enactments of Parliament and of the State legislatures as published on India Code, and republished together with commentary and other original matter under section 52(1)(q)(ii) of the Copyright Act, 1957. Structured, cross-referenced and maintained by eCourtsIndia. Text as in force on 17 Oct 2026. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.