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ECI De-lists 345 Inactive Political Parties to Strengthen Electoral Process

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ECI De-lists 345 Inactive Political Parties to Strengthen Electoral Process

AspectDetails
EventElection Commission of India (ECI) de-lists 345 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs)
Reason for De-listingInactivity, non-traceability, and failure to contest elections since 2019.
Legal BasisSection 29A of the Representation of the People Act (RP Act), 1951.
Key Figures345 RUPPs issued show-cause notices; 281 de-listed, 217 inactive (March 2024 list, updated May 2025).
Benefits of RUPPsIncome tax exemptions, common election symbol, right to nominate star campaigners.
Issues with RUPPsMisuse of tax exemptions, failure to file donor details, non-compliance with updates, untraceable presence.
Supreme Court RulingECI cannot de-register parties unless registration was fraudulent, party ceases allegiance to the Constitution, or declared unlawful.
Legal GapsRP Act, 1951 lacks explicit provision for ECI to de-register inactive parties.
Law Commission Recommendations170th Report (1999), 255th Report (2015), ECI Memorandum (2016) suggest reforms.
SignificanceCleans electoral rolls, prevents misuse of public funds, promotes transparency and accountability.

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