The Election Commission’s power to register but not de-register political parties create regulatory asymmetry. Analyse the consequences of such a limitation. Propose concrete reforms to empower the ECI without undermining democratic freedoms.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Topic: Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.
Topic: Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.
Q3. The Election Commission’s power to register but not de-register political parties create regulatory asymmetry. Analyse the consequences of such a limitation. Propose concrete reforms to empower the ECI without undermining democratic freedoms. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question: The ECI’s 2025 move to de-list hundreds of inactive RUPPs and the legal vacuum surrounding de-registration powers have renewed debates on electoral reforms, financial transparency, and institutional autonomy. Key Demand of the question: The answer must examine the asymmetry in ECI’s powers, analyse its impact on electoral integrity and trust, and suggest well-balanced reforms that empower the ECI while protecting democratic values. Structure of the Answer: Introduction Mention Article 324 and briefly highlight the contradiction in registration without de-registration power. Body Explain the nature of regulatory asymmetry in ECI’s powers and lack of legislative backing. Analyse how this affects party proliferation, misuse of tax exemptions, and ECI’s credibility. Suggest institutional, legal, and procedural reforms with safeguards against political overreach. Conclusion Highlight the need for legal clarity and democratic checks to enhance ECI’s regulatory capacity without undermining political pluralism.
Why the question: The ECI’s 2025 move to de-list hundreds of inactive RUPPs and the legal vacuum surrounding de-registration powers have renewed debates on electoral reforms, financial transparency, and institutional autonomy.
Key Demand of the question: The answer must examine the asymmetry in ECI’s powers, analyse its impact on electoral integrity and trust, and suggest well-balanced reforms that empower the ECI while protecting democratic values.
Structure of the Answer: Introduction Mention Article 324 and briefly highlight the contradiction in registration without de-registration power.
• Explain the nature of regulatory asymmetry in ECI’s powers and lack of legislative backing.
• Analyse how this affects party proliferation, misuse of tax exemptions, and ECI’s credibility.
• Suggest institutional, legal, and procedural reforms with safeguards against political overreach.
Conclusion Highlight the need for legal clarity and democratic checks to enhance ECI’s regulatory capacity without undermining political pluralism.