In news– The Election Commission has decided to delete 111 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) from the register, as part of the poll panel’s “graded action” against parties that flouted its rules.
Key updates-
- The Commission said that these RUPPs have not completed the due compliances related to the party’s communication address or any change in address.
- Chief Election Officers have reported that these RUPPs either have been found to be non-existent on verification or the letters issued by them.
- The commission further decided that any party aggrieved from this, may approach the concerned Chief Electoral Officer or Election Commission within thirty days of the issue of this order along with all evidence of existence, other legal and regulatory compliances.
- The commission highlighted that a segregated list of such RUPPs will be sent to respective CEOs and Central Board of Direct Taxes for requisite action under extant legal framework.
- As of September 2021, there were 2,796 registered unrecognised political parties, an increase of over 300 per cent since 2001.
Statutory provisions related to RUPPs-
- Registration of Political parties is governed by the provisions of Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act (ROPA), 1951.
- According to Section 29 C of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, RUPPs are required to furnish contribution reports prescribed in Form 24 A under Rule 85 B of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961.
- ECI’s transparency guidelines mandate political parties to furnish audited annual statements.
- A party seeking registration has to submit an application to the Commission within a period of 30 days following the date of its formation as per guidelines prescribed by the Commission in exercise of the powers conferred by Article 324 of the Constitution of India and Section 29A of the ROPA, 1951.
- As per existing guidelines, the applicant association is, inter-alia, asked to publish the proposed name of the party in two national daily newspapers and two local daily newspapers, on two days for submitting objections, if any, with regard to the proposed registration of the party before the Commission within 30 days from such publication.
- Notice so published is also displayed on the website of the Commission.
Source: PIB
