Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Lily Thomas is CNN-IBN Indian of the Year 2013 for Public Service

The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Lily Thomas have been awarded the Public Service award of CNN-IBN Indian of the Year 2013 for piloting the PIL which led to amendment of law, that prevents convicted politicians from contesting polls.
The Association for Democratic Reforms and Lily Thomas took up the task of tackling what had become a serious blot on our democratic system. It was on the basis of a writ petition filed by them that the apex court ruled that lawmakers have to quit if they are convicted of a crime. Immediately after this RJD chief Lalu Prasad and Congress's Rashid Masood lost their membership of Parliament. The ADR's study of Assembly and Lok Sabha candidates' affidavits are highly valued. They are considered the most authentic public study documents on Indian electoral system.
ADR has dedicated this award to the people of India who have struggled for a better and transparent democracy.