THE PROBLEMS Not a stand-alone piece of legislation Used only for state and general polls Offences not cognisable, thus bailable Burden of proof on prosecution Case-disposal takes too long Low penalty and punishment Observers at the mercy of district authorities; no secrecyTHE PROPOSALS Codify and make it a law Create a central Act for all elections Place burden of proof on defence Make offences cognisable and non bailable Fix deadlines for disposal of poll-related offences Increase penalty and punishment Set up cells at district and state level with independent staff