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Election Commission of India Targets Inactive Parties in Major Cleanup Drive
Election Commission of India Identifies 345 Untraceable Parties for Delisting
Context: The Election Commission of India has initiated proceedings to delist 345 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) that have failed to contest any election—Lok Sabha, State Assemblies, or by-elections—since 2019 and whose offices could not be physically located.
Why has the ECI decided to delist inactive RUPPs?
- Non-compliance with basic obligations such as contesting elections and maintaining functional offices.
- Misuse of privileges, especially tax exemptions under Section 13A of the Income Tax Act, despite not being active in democratic processes.
- To eliminate so-called “letter pad parties” that exist on paper but serve no electoral function and may be used for financial or regulatory abuse.
Does the ECI have the legal power to de-register a political party?
No explicit power is granted under the RP Act for de-registration due to inactivity.
However, delisting is possible if:
- The party fails to maintain its address or documentation
- Obtained registration through fraud, or
- Ceases allegiance to the Constitution, or
- Is declared unlawful by the government
This was upheld by the Supreme Court in Indian National Congress vs Institute of Social Welfare (2002).
- The ECI conducted an audit of over 2,800 RUPPs, identifying 345 that are inactive and untraceable.
Who are these RUPPs and what privileges do they enjoy?
A RUPP is any political party registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, but not yet recognised as a national or state party.
- Tax exemption on donations (Section 13A, Income Tax Act, 1961)
- Access to a common election symbol for contesting polls
- Permission to appoint 20 ‘star campaigners’ for election campaignsAccess to electoral rolls and ECI resource.
What are the broader issues and challenges with RUPPs?
- Many RUPPs exist only on paper
- Absence of internal party democracy
- Failure to update office bearers and financial reports
- Potential use of such parties for money laundering or tax evasion
What recommendations have been made by reform bodies?
- Law Commission (255th Report, 2015): Suggested automatic de-registration of parties that fail to contest elections for 10 years.
- Law Commission (170th Report): Recommended statutory provisions for ensuring internal democracy.
- ECI Memorandum (2016): Asked for amendments to the RP Act to empower it to de-register dormant or non-compliant political parties.
