ECI De-lists 345 Inactive Political Parties to Strengthen Electoral Process
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Election Commission of India (ECI) de-lists 345 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) |
| Reason for De-listing | Inactivity, non-traceability, and failure to contest elections since 2019. |
| Legal Basis | Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act (RP Act), 1951. |
| Key Figures | 345 RUPPs issued show-cause notices; 281 de-listed, 217 inactive (March 2024 list, updated May 2025). |
| Benefits of RUPPs | Income tax exemptions, common election symbol, right to nominate star campaigners. |
| Issues with RUPPs | Misuse of tax exemptions, failure to file donor details, non-compliance with updates, untraceable presence. |
| Supreme Court Ruling | ECI cannot de-register parties unless registration was fraudulent, party ceases allegiance to the Constitution, or declared unlawful. |
| Legal Gaps | RP Act, 1951 lacks explicit provision for ECI to de-register inactive parties. |
| Law Commission Recommendations | 170th Report (1999), 255th Report (2015), ECI Memorandum (2016) suggest reforms. |
| Significance | Cleans electoral rolls, prevents misuse of public funds, promotes transparency and accountability. |