Why the ECI Is Cleaning the Political Register: A Move to Strengthen Electoral Integrity

In a major move towards strengthening the electoral process, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated the de-listing of 345 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) for being inactive and non-traceable. These parties have neither contested any elections in the last six years nor maintained updated records of their operations. While political parties enjoy the right to form associations under Article 19(1)(c) of the Constitution, the lack of oversight and prolonged inactivity has led to concerns over misuse of tax exemptions and electoral benefits, prompting the ECI to act.

Why in News?

The ECI has issued show-cause notices to 345 RUPPs, marking a renewed push to identify and remove non-functioning political parties that have not contested elections since 2019 and could not be physically located. This comes after the ECI published updated lists of de-listed and inactive political parties in March 2024 (amended till May 2025), and amid growing calls for electoral reforms, including granting the ECI explicit powers for de-registration of political parties.

What Are Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs)?

• RUPPs are political parties registered with the ECI under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act (RP Act), 1951.
• They are not recognized as State or National parties due to lack of electoral performance.

They must,

• Submit a memorandum/constitution within 30 days of formation.
• Uphold principles of the Constitution, secularism, democracy, and national integrity.
• Ensure internal democracy, including elections for party positions.

Benefits Enjoyed by RUPPs

• Income tax exemptions on donations under Section 13A of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
• Common election symbol for contesting polls.
• Right to nominate 20 star campaigners during elections.

Why Is the ECI De-Listing RUPPs?

• Out of 2,800+ RUPPs, only 750 contested the 2024 general elections.
• Remaining are dubbed ‘letter pad parties’, existing only on paper.

Issues,

• Misuse of tax exemptions.
• Failure to file annual donor details (as required under Section 29C of RP Act).
• Non-compliance with mandatory updates (office bearers, addresses).
• Possible fraud due to untraceable presence.

Supreme Court in Indian National Congress vs Institute of Social Welfare (2002) ruled that ECI cannot de-register parties unless,

• Registration was obtained fraudulently.
• Party ceases allegiance to the Constitution.
• Party is declared unlawful by the government.

Latest Action by the ECI

Identified 345 RUPPs that,

• Haven’t contested since 2019.
• Have no physical address or updated contact details.
• Directed Chief Electoral Officers in states to issue show-cause notices.

March 2024 list (updated May 2025),

• 281 de-listed
• 217 inactive

Legal and Policy Gaps

• RP Act, 1951 lacks explicit provision empowering the ECI to de-register inactive parties.

Law Commission Recommendations

• 170th Report (1999): Internal democracy in parties.
• 255th Report (2015): De-registration if no elections for 10 years.
• ECI Memorandum (2016): Requested RP Act amendments to empower de-registration.
• Still over 1,000 RUPPs remain “active” without regular electoral participation.

Significance of the Move

• Cleans up electoral rolls and prevents misuse of public funds.
• Promotes transparency, compliance, and accountability in political processes.
• Lays the foundation for broader electoral and political reforms in India.
• Encourages internal democracy and compliance with constitutional values.