Author: Shrushti Borade, Manikchand
Pahade Law College, Ch.Sambhajinagar
Abstract
Active youth engagement with politics serves as a foundation that determines the
destination of every country. The active political engagement of youth in democratic systems
protects the presentation of new thinking combined with modern problem-solving methods
for existing issues. The article explores legal dimensions of youth political engagement
through real-world examples and approaches for overcoming institutional and legal
challenges that deter younger citizens from political involvement.
To the Point
Politically engaged youth fulfils both democratic duty and essential requirements for modern
policy development and governance reform. Throughout the world youth activists have
activated political movements which resulted in essential policy changes. The large numbers
of youths across India and the United States possess the potential to transform their political
systems.
Youth participation faces numerous legal as well as structural barriers which limit their
political activity. Young people face barriers to candidacy because of age limits while they
also lack political education and encounter institutional obstacles throughout political
institutions. Modern legal evolutions and judicial understanding demonstrate an emerging
acknowledgment to incorporate young people in government processes.
Jargon
Political elections enable citizens to exercise suffrage which means voting rights.
Political representatives achieve their positions by means of the electoral process.
Affirmative Action represents policy initiatives designed to enhance membership of groups
whose inclusion is currently low.
Upper class youth engage in civic participation to effect change in decision-making
processes.
The Proof
The influence of young people participating in political matters is clear through various
international developments.
The Arab Spring movement (2010–2012) saw young people taking the lead during protests
which demanded both democratic reform together with political rights.
Greta Thunberg’s leadership and the climate activism primarily conducted by adolescents
created worldwide change in the climate policy discussions of countries.
Youth membership in the BLM Movement since 2013 completely transformed public
discourse about racial justice and police reform across America.
International conventions starting with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and
regional charters support youthful participation through statutory procedures that endorse
their right to contribute to decision-making.
Case Laws
Lily Thomas v. In Union of India (2013) the court declared electoral reform as essential while
acknowledging the crucial role that young people can play in cleansing political systems.
Mohinder Singh Gill v. The Chief Election Commissioner (1978) indicated to the court that
free and fair elections enable equal participation among younger voters.
Vishaka v. The State of Rajasthan (1997) established the importance of civil society since it
included youth groups when developing legal guidelines but primarily concerned workplace
harassment
Conclusion
Democracy as well as social development needs the active political engagement of young
people. The law now explicitly supports young people to have their voices incorporated into
government functions. More actions will be required to lower the existing structural and
legal obstacles. The advancement of youth participation demands three primary measures
which consist of age limitation adjustments for candidates and early introduction of civic
lessons to teach youth skills with accompanying political awareness campaigns to build
enthusiasm for political engagement. The future of inclusive and just politics exists solely
through generations who are allowed to build their political power
FAQS
1. When may someone lawfully pursue candidacy in an election?
The eligibility criteria for election candidacy runs differently from nation to nation. The
Indian law states that only individuals who have reached 25 years of age can run for election
seats in the Lok Sabha. Candidates who wish to run for the House of Representatives must
be at least 25 years old while candidates aiming for Senate positions need to be 30 years or
older according to U.S. laws.
2. Through collective action youth activism can lead to changes in laws.
Oral activism from youth population has actively shaped legal changes which affect climate
policy and foster racial justice and strengthen gender rights.
3. Youth experiencing these particular difficulties stand in the way of their participation in
political processes.
The political landscape poses obstacles for youth candidates because it has age limits for
running along with inadequate political knowledge and insufficient monetary resources and
discriminatory structures found inside political organisations.
4. Legal systems need to implement what measures to boost youth political involvement.
Youth participation in politics becomes more possible through legal systems which lower
candidacy age limits and maintain fair representation in public decision-making and support
civic education for young people at the local level
