Law Ministry made it mandatory for election candidates to reveal their income-tax returns of the last five years, as well as the details of their offshore assets.
This was done by amending Form 26, after the Election Commission of India’s recommendations.
Earlier, a candidate had to only declare the last I-T return (for self, spouse and dependents) and details of foreign assets were not considered.
After the amendments, following details are mandatory for candidates:
Should reveal their own income-tax returns of the last five years rather than only one,
Details of offshore assets, as well as the same details for their spouse, members of the Hindu Undivided Family.
Form 26
A candidate in an election is required to file an affidavit called Form 26.
It has the information of her assets, liabilities, educational qualifications, criminal antecedents (convictions and all pending cases) and public dues, if any.