EC removes 111 parties from its list because found to be 'non-existent' - GovtVacancy.Net

EC removes 111 parties from its list because found to be 'non-existent'

In The News:

• The Election Commission of India (ECI), recently removed 111 additional registered unrecognised parties (RUPPs) from its list.
  • These parties were found to be non-existent after verification of their registered addresses.
• The ECI also referred three individuals allegedly involved with financial impropriety, to the Department of Revenue Ministry of Finance for legal and criminal action.

What's today's article?

• India Registration of Political Parties
  • Process
  • Important to register with the ECI
  • Political parties can be deregistered
• News Summary

Registration of political parties within India:

Process

• Article 324 The Indian Constitution gives the ECI the power to register political parties.
  • Section 29A, 1951 Representation Act of the People Act governs the registration of political parties.
• The ECI requires that any party seeking to register must submit a request (to the Secretary of the ECI) within thirty days of the formation.
• Current guidelines:
  • The applicant must publish the proposed party name in at least two daily newspapers of national importance and two daily newspapers of local relevance.
  • You have two days to submit objections, if applicable, regarding the proposed registration of the party at the Commission.
  • You can also find the notice for publication on the ECI website.

Sign up with the ECI

• Although registration with the ECI is not required, such registration can be advantageous if the party intends use the RPA, 1951.
• Candidates who are nominated by a registered political party with the ECI will have preference over purely independent candidates in the allocation of symbols.
• Section 13 A of Income-tax Act permits registered political parties to claim an exemption from income tax on donations.
• These registered political parties can also be used to create new ones. eventually, be recognized as a country or a party national If they satisfy the conditions set forth by the Commission in 1968's Election Symbols Reserve and Allotment Order, 1968. Take, for example:
  • A party that is designated as an party is entitled to exclusive use of its reserved symbol when nominating candidates in the state it is located.
  • A party that is recognized as a "national party" is entitled to exclusive use of its reserved symbol for candidates in India.
  • Recognized state' and ‘national’ parties need only one proposer for a nomination. They are entitled to two sets free of charge of electoral rolls, as well as broadcast and telecast facilities over the state-owned Akashvani and Doordarshan during general election.

Registration of political parties:

• The ECI is authorized to register political parties in accordance with the RPA, 1951. However, it cannot deregister inactive parties.
• The ECI cannot delist inactive parties, but can refer the matter to Central Government for further action.

News Summary

• An examination of financial documents from some RUPPs, which are publicly available, reveals some glaring irregularities such as
  • Two different party presidents are listed in documents
  • The use of RUPPs to "whitewash" black money, while engaging in very little or no political activity, is a common practice.
  • You can claim tax exemptions without having to comply with the statutory requirements for timely contribution reports and annual audit reports.
• The ECI then shared a list with RUPPs who did not submit contribution reports for FY 2017, 2018-19, and 2019-20 to take the necessary action under the RPA or the IT Act.
• The Revenue Department has received a list of RUPPs that claimed IT exemption without submitting contributions reports.
• The ECI said that the RUPP inspection and clean-up that was initiated recently will be closely followed up by the ECI.

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