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?

Representation of People Act, 1951 governs the process of electoral democracy in India and empowers ECI to exercise its power under Article 324. Procedure for registration of parties: 1) Political parties must adequately documents as recommended by ECI. - education qualification, - Financial information, etc. 2) Parties must have adequate support faxing their credibility to the ECI 3) They must reflect independent finances for their functioning Registered Unrecognised Political Parties: 1) Parties registered with ECI 2) Participate in elections but garner less than required vote. 3) Symbolically, un-recognised by people of India. 4) There can also be parties who later are registered but have not contested election for long time. Remain delinquent.

Concerns: Act as 'shell party' of major state/national party to divide vote. Power driven & not ideological. Funding sources are opaque. Can make election process unwieldy. Administered without accountability. Powers to deregister: 1) ECI do not have power to deregister parties who are registered and recognised, even if they violate law. 2) ECI can deregister parties which are registered & unrecognised. Moreover, to strengthen free & fair election, ECI can be giving powers of deregistering parties / former ECI Gopalswamy.