Delhi’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) has issued show cause notice to 27 inactive political parties following the Election Commission’s directions, seeking an explanation for their continued registration. These notices have been issued to the political parties that have not fielded any candidates in Lok Sabha, State Assembly or by-elections during the last six years (since 2019), according to a statement by CEO.
According to the CEO, although these parties are registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, they have not participated in any electoral activities in recent years, suggesting that they are no longer functioning as per the provisions of the Act.
Hence, under Article 324 of the Constitution of India and Section 29A of the RP Act, 1951, the EC has initiated the process to delist such parties from the list of registered political parties.
Akhil Bhartiya Samajwadi Party, Akhil Bharatiya Aalki Apni Party, All India Jan Congress Party, All India Women United Party, Azad Bharat Congress, Bhartiya Rozgar Party, Bhartiya Vikas Party, Bhartiya Janata Vikas Party, Bundelkhand Congress,Delhi Mazdoor Kushan Party, Jan Andolan Morcha are among the 27 political parties that have been issued notices by the CEO’s office.
The CEO has urged all concerned parties to submit their response within the stipulated time, clarifying why their names should not be removed from the list. If no reply is received within the given time, it will be presumed that the party has nothing to say on the matter and the Commission will proceed with appropriate action without any further notice.
The Election Commission is giving the concerned parties an opportunity to present their side before any final action is taken.
Parties may submit their representation in writing, duly signed by the party president or general secretary under oath, along with all supporting documents the party wishes to rely upon. All such documents must reach the office of the Chief Electoral Officer by July 18.
Additionally, the hearing date for the concerned parties has been fixed for July 15. The party’s president/general secretary/leader must appear in person on the scheduled date. In case no reply is received by the given date, it will be assumed that the party has no response and the Commission will pass appropriate orders accordingly, with no further notice.
