De-listing of Political Parties
Source: DD News
GS II: Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies
Overview
- News in Brief
- De-listing of Political Parties
- About Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs)
Why in the News?
The Election Commission of India (ECI) launched proceedings to delist Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs)
News in Brief
- To delist 345 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs).
- These parties failed to contest a single election since 2019, and their offices could not be physically located.
- These parties, spread across various States and Union Territories, are part of a nationwide cleanup effort to streamline the political system.
- This initiative is the first phase of a broader exercise.
De-listing of Political Parties
- It aims to remove parties that have neither contested Lok Sabha, State/UT Legislative Assembly elections, nor bye-elections since 2019, and those that could not be traced physically.
About the Delisting Process
- ECI, which oversees the registration of over 2,800 RUPPs under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
- Noted that many of these parties have not met the essential requirement of participating in elections.
- Why is de-listing required?
- Registered political parties enjoy privileges such as tax exemptions, making compliance with these conditions critical.
- To ensure fairness, the ECI has instructed Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) of the respective States and UTs to issue show-cause notices to the identified RUPPs.
- These parties will be given an opportunity to present their case in hearings before the CEOs, with the final decision on delisting resting with the ECI.
Registration Process (Section 29A, RP Act 1951)
- Submit party memorandum/constitution within 30 days of formation.
- Must pledge allegiance to the Constitution, socialism, secularism, democracy, sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
- ECI examines for provisions ensuring internal democracy, including periodic elections for office bearers.
About Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs)
- Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) are associations registered with the Election Commission of India (ECI) under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
- These parties are distinct from recognised national or state parties as they have not secured a sufficient vote share or seats in previous elections.
Daily Current Affairs: Click Here