The Election Commission of India (ECI) has moved to de-list 345 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) for prolonged inactivity and untraceability. These parties haven’t contested elections since 2019 and have failed to update records, raising concerns over tax abuse and transparency. The move aims to clean up the political register and reinforce electoral reforms.

BulletsIn

• ECI identifies 345 inactive RUPPs for de-listing
• None contested elections since 2019; no valid contact/address
• Show-cause notices issued through state Chief Electoral Officers
• Only ~750 of 2,800+ RUPPs contested 2024 elections
• Many parties exist only on paper, termed “letter pad parties”
• Misuse of tax exemptions under Section 13A flagged
• Non-filing of donor details, no updates on party officials
• Supreme Court limits ECI’s de-registration powers
• Law Commission, ECI seek RP Act amendment for stronger authority
• Move promotes transparency, cleans electoral rolls, deters fraud