Question Q.11GS2GS2

Briefly explain the procedure laid down in the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951 for the registration of political parties with the Election Commission of India (ECI). What are Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs)? What concerns are associated with them? Does the ECI have powers to de-register a political party?

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Answer

Main Body

Representation of People's Act, 1951

RPA Act, 1951 is the act of parliament that governs the electoral process for parliament and state government.

Qualification for members, rship of house [with diagram showing RPA 1951 and its components]:

regulates conduct of elections by elections

registration of political parties

disqualification of membership

provision against corrupt parties

Procedure for registration of political party:

1Under Section 29 A of RPA, 1951

2Any association seeking to be a

political party to :

apply to ECI within 30 days of its formation

with bank account, party constitution details etc.

Registered Unrecognised political parties (RUPP):

they are registered with ECI under Sec 29A

But, donot meet the criteria for being a recognised national party state party

Recognition depends on electoral performance

Concerns associated with RUPP:-

1Ghost entities: Many RUPP exist merely on paper, not on ground.

2Electoral activity missing: many RUPP donot contest election

3Misuse of Tax Exemptions: RUPP - get tax exemptions under income tax act, their donations have been flagged of laundering et.

4Misuse during elections: to split votes, manipulate electoral roll.

ECI's de-registration power:-

ECI donot have statutory power to deregister a party

only in case of :- registration of fraud or court declares party illegal

However, ECI can de-list a party

A powerful, independent election commission is grand on which office and fair election process of India can stand.

244 words8 paragraphs12 bullet points

Conclusion

A powerful, independent election commission is grand on which office and fair election process of India can stand.

18 words

Diagram

Diagram showing RPA 1951 with branches: qualification for members/rship of house, regulates conduct of elections by elections, registration of political parties, disqualification of membership, provision against corrupt parties.

Examiner score

1.1/10

Open original scan

Page 21

Topper

DIVYA

AIR 1822025

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Salient Features of the Representation of People's Act

Representation of Peoples Act

Registration of Political Parties

Writing Stats

262

Total words

Paragraphs

Bullets

analytical

Tone