The Election Commission of India holds the significant responsibility of regulating the political parties in the country. Recognised Political Parties and Registered Unrecognised Political Parties play an important role in the country’s political landscape. They function under laws such as the Representation of the People Act 1951 and the Symbol Order 1968.
Recent Developments: Delisting by ECI
In recent news, the Election Commission of India has delisted 86 non-existent Registered Unrecognized Political Parties (RUPPs) and declared an additional 253 as ‘Inactive RUPPs’. These changes are due to these parties’ failure to respond to letters/notices or contest any elections, either to the General Assembly of a state or the Parliament Election of 2014 & 2019. The move is in line with Section 29A of the Representation of People Act 1951.
What is a Registered Unrecognised Political Party (RUPP)?
Registered Unrecognised Political Parties include newly registered parties or those that failed to secure enough votes in elections. They do not receive all the benefits granted to recognised parties. However, they are provided with common symbols under Symbols Order, 1968, provided they put up at least 5% of total candidates in a legislative assembly election of a State.
The Concept of Recognised Political Party
Recognised political parties can be either National parties or State parties as long as they meet certain conditions. These conditions include securing a specific percentage of polled valid votes or a certain number of seats in the state legislative assembly or the Lok Sabha during the past election. The recognition grants them privileges like allocation of the party symbols and access to electoral rolls.
Conditions for Recognition of Political Parties
Recognition as a national or state party depends on several criteria. For national recognition, the party must secure 6% of valid votes polled in four or more states or win 2% of seats in the Lok Sabha, among other conditions. For state-level recognition, the party must secure 6% of the valid votes polled in the state and win a certain number of seats.
Symbol’s Order 1968’s Powers to ECI
Under Paragraph 15 of the Order, the Election Commission can decide disputes among rival groups of a recognised political party claiming its name and symbol. The Supreme Court upholds this power in recognised national and state parties.
Role of Representation of People Act 1951
The Representation of People Act 1951 is an essential law that regulates the actual conduct of elections and by-elections. It provides an administrative machinery for conducting elections, deals with the registration of political parties, and specifies the qualifications and disqualifications for membership of the Houses.
Implications on UPSC Civil Services Examination
Understanding the structure and functions of political parties in India is critical for cracking the UPSC Civil Services Examination. The curriculum often includes questions related to the functioning of political parties, the role of the Election Commission, and the legal framework surrounding the Indian electoral system.
