New Delhi, Feb. 10 -- The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Centre to file its response on the plea challenging the constitutional validity of Sections 8 and 9 of the Representation of the People Act (RP Act), 1951, which govern MP/MLA's disqualification due to convictions.

A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Manmohan asked Centre to file its affidavit on the plea, failing which the court may proceed to decide the matter without government response.

It also sought assistance of Attorney General R Venkataramani on the plea seeking a permanent ban on those convicted of criminal offences from contesting elections to the Parliament and state assemblies.

The apex court also asked Election Commission of India to submit its response.

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