Correct Option (b): (Question Dropped by UPSC)
Statement 2 is correct. In the 1991 Lok Sabha elections, Shri Devi Lal contested from three Lok Sabha constituencies. At that time, the Representation of the People Act, 1951, did not contain a provision restricting candidates from contesting from more than two constituencies. The amendment introducing this restriction was enacted in 1996.
Incorrect Options:
Statement 1 is incorrect. Section 33(7) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, as amended in 1996, limits a candidate to contesting from a maximum of two constituencies in any general election or bye-election. Prior to this amendment, candidates were permitted to contest from multiple constituencies without such a numerical restriction.
Statement 3 is incorrect. There is no existing legal provision or rule that mandates a political party to bear the cost of bye-elections for constituencies vacated by a candidate who wins from multiple seats. Currently, the expenditure for conducting bye-elections is borne by the Election Commission of India from public funds. While this has been a subject of discussion for electoral reforms, it has not been implemented as an existing rule.