Explanation:

Correct Option: (a)

• Assertion is correct since undertrial whose innocence or guilt hasn’t been conclusively determined, are deprived of their right to vote as they too are con fi ned in prison. 
• Reason is correct explanation of assertion since according to section 62(5) of RPA 1951 “No person shall vote at any election if he is con fi ned in a prison, whether under a sentence of imprisonment or transportation or otherwise, or is in the lawful custody of police: Provided that nothing in this subsection shall apply to a person subjected to preventive detention under any law for the time being in force”. Representation of the People Act, 1951 
• The Representation of the People Act, 1951 is an act of Parliament of India to provide for the conduct of election of the Houses of Parliament and to the House or Houses of the Legislature of each State, the qualifications and disquali fi cations for membership of those Houses, the corrupt practices and other offences at or in connection with such elections and the decision of doubts and disputes arising out of or in connection with such elections. 
• It was introduced in Parliament by law minister Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. The Act was enacted by the provisional parliament under Article 327 of Indian Constitution, before the fi rst general election.  The right to vote is a constitutional right under Article 326 of the Constitution. 
• Under Section 62(5) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, individuals in the lawful custody of the police and those serving a sentence of imprisonment after conviction cannot vote. Under trial prisoners are also excluded from participating in elections even if their names are on the electoral rolls.  Only those under preventive detention can cast their vote through postal ballots.