The Supreme Court verdict disqualifying convicted legislators is being applauded by voters across the country who think it would help eradicate corruption and clean up political space.
G.R. Syed, professor at Jamia Millia Islamia, told IANS: "After independence, politics in our country has become a playground for criminals. The court should have taken the decision earlier. Now that they have, it is a good start to a new direction."
"The government and bureaucracy works hand in hand, so once legislators are clean, the bureaucracy can also be cleansed, bringing transparency in administration," said Naresh Chhetri, an IAS aspirant.
"The SC verdict will help us make a choice between good and bad. It increases our probability of choosing the right person," said Gargi Ghosh, deputy manager at Hindustan Computers Ltd.
The apex court verdict also said that anyone in police custody cannot contest elections.
"When a citizen cannot vote if he is jailed, then how can a leader with criminal charges against him or her lead us? Law should be uniform for all," said Namrata Wadhwa, a homemaker from Mumbai.
"It was much needed. A criminal background never gets one a job in the private sector. The verdict is welcome," said Kamran Ahmad, a media professional in Kolkata.
However, some think the verdict will not be able to end corruption.
"I doubt whether corruption will end with this judgment as a lot needs to be done," said Paras Dhawan, a Delhi lawyer.
"It all depends on political parties. A person may be corrupt and may not contest elections, but he or she can use proxies, like (former Bihar chief minister) Lalu Yadav, who made his wife the chief minister," said Naveen Nair, a public relations professional.
Nikhil Sharda, managing editor, "e-fiction India" said: "The judgment would do no good to political space unless we first remove the pre-existing quarantined convict."
"This judgment puts things back on perspective but we need to take it with a pinch of salt. How many Supreme Court judgments get implemented in spirit? But the judgment has raised the stakes for politicians," said Pallavi Majumdar, assistant professor, Amity University.
