When a person files nomination for Lok Sabha or Vidhan Sabha Election, they must deposit a fixed amount of money called security deposit (जमानत).
⭐ 1. Who is Eligible to File Nomination (and Give जमानत)?
A person can contest election if:
✔ 18+ years old
- 25 years → Lok Sabha & Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha)
- 30 years → Legislative Council, Rajya Sabha
✔ Citizen of India
✔ Not disqualified under law
Example:
- Not of unsound mind
- Not bankrupt
- Not convicted for certain crimes
✔ Must submit nomination form + security deposit
⭐ 2. जमानत (Security Deposit) Amount
(Security deposit fixed under the Representation of the People Act)
Lok Sabha Election
- ₹25,000 – General candidate
- ₹12,500 – SC/ST candidate
Vidhan Sabha Election (State)
- ₹10,000 – General candidate
- ₹5,000 – SC/ST candidate
(Bihar, UP, all states same rule)
⭐ 3. When is जमानत Forfeited?
Your deposit is lost if you do NOT get:
👉 Minimum 1/6th (16.67%) of total valid votes
If you get more than 1/6th votes → जमानत वापस
⭐ 4. When is जमानत Refunded?
- If the candidate secures more than 1/6th votes
- Or the candidate withdraws nomination
- Or nomination is rejected before final list
Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RPA 1951)
👉 Section 34 – “Deposit”
This section explains:
✔ How much security deposit a candidate must pay
✔ Different amounts for General & SC/ST candidates
✔ Conditions for refund or forfeiture
