Team Herald
PANJIM: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has decided to initiate graded action against as many as 2174 registered unrecognized political parties (RUPPs) for non-compliance with statutory requirements under the Representation of People’s Act, 1951.
The ECI has stated that 2174 RUPPs had not submitted details of contributions received and that action will be initiated against them for receiving donations without due statutory compliances. It further said that 87 RUPPs were found to be non-existing and they will be deleted from the list and benefits under the Symbols Order 1968 will be withdrawn.
The Election Commission further said during the verification it was found that 66 RUPPs claimed Income Tax (I-T) exemption in the financial year 2019-2020 without complying with statutory requirements under Section 29 C of the Representation of People’s Act.
The ECI found that Income tax exemption to the tune of Rs 445 crore was taken by 199 RUPPs in 2018-2019 and Rs 609 crore was taken by 219 RUPPs in 2019-2020. Of these, 66 RUPPs claimed income tax exemptions without submitting contributions reports in Form 24 A as mandated under section 28C of the RP Act. This list will also be sent to the Department of Revenue for necessary action as per the Act, it added.
According to the ECI, there are 2796 RUPPs as of September 2021 which is an increase of over 300 percent since 2001. Every registered RUPP has to comply with the rules, instructions, and directions. The ECI also observed that out of a total of 2796 RUPPs, a large number of parties are not taking part in the electoral process nor adhering to the requirements which not only violate the statutory requirements but also defeats the purpose of clean electoral ecosystems.
Meanwhile, the aggrieved party can approach the respective Chief Electoral Officer with full facts within 30 days of the ECI order along with all the documentary evidence to seek remedial action.
