CHAPTER I.--Qualifications for Membership of ParliamentCentral

Section 3 of The Representation of the People Act, 1951 in hindi

1[3. Qualification for membership of the Council of States.] A person shall not be qualified to be chosen as a representative of any State 2 *** or Union territory in the Council of States unless he is an elector for a Parliamentary constituency 3 [in India]].

Summary

This section sets the basic rules for who can be chosen to represent a State or Union territory in the Council of States.
The most important requirement is that the person must be a registered voter (an elector) for a Parliamentary constituency.
You do not have to be a voter in the specific state you want to represent in the Council of States.
If you are not a registered voter in India, you are strictly disqualified from being chosen for this House.

Practical examples

1Rajesh lives in Kerala but is registered to vote in a Parliamentary constituency in Delhi. Under Section 3, he is qualified to be chosen as a representative for the state of Kerala in the Council of States.

2Sunita is an Indian citizen living abroad. She is not registered on any electoral roll in India. Section 3 prevents her from being chosen for the Council of States because she is not an "elector."

FAQ

1. Do I have to live in the state I represent under Section 3 of The Representation of the People Act, 1951?

No, Section 3 of The Representation of the People Act, 1951, only requires you to be an elector for any Parliamentary constituency in India, not necessarily the one in the state you represent.

2. What is the main qualification for the Council of States in Section 3 of The Representation of the People Act, 1951?

The main qualification under Section 3 of The Representation of the People Act, 1951, is that a person must be an elector for a Parliamentary constituency in India.

3. Does Section 3 of The Representation of the People Act, 1951, apply to Union territories?

Yes, Section 3 of The Representation of the People Act, 1951, applies equally to representatives of any State or Union territory in the Council of States.

Test yourself

Q1.Under Section 3 of The Representation of the People Act, 1951, what is the core requirement to represent a State in the Council of States?

Q2.How did the qualification in Section 3 of The Representation of the People Act, 1951, change regarding residency?

Q3.Under the rules of Section 3 of The Representation of the People Act, 1951, could a voter from Goa represent Uttar Pradesh in the Council of States?

Q4.Looking at Section 2's definition of an "elector," how does it limit Section 3 of The Representation of the People Act, 1951?

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