Parliament Question: Functioning of Political Parties

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4774 TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, THE 20TH MARCH, 2026 FUNCTIONING OF POLITICAL PARTIES †4774. DR. MANNA LAL RAWAT: Will the Minister of LAW AND JUSTICE be pleased to state: (a) the main provisions of the Representation of the People Act, particularly relating to the formation, registration and functioning of political parties; (b) the provisions and criteria laid down by the Election Commission of India for granting recognition to political parties; (c) the legal and procedural provisions for derecognition of a political party; and (d) the provisions for derecognition of any political party indulging in casteist or communal politics or is found to be engaged in activities against the unity and integrity of the country? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE; AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL) (a): The Election Commission of India (ECI) has informed that the criteria regarding the registration of the political parties are laid down under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. (b): The ECI has informed that the criteria for granting recognition to political parties as 'National' or 'State' parties are laid down under Para 6 of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968. (c) & (d): The ECI has informed that the political parties can be derecognized if they fail to fulfil the criteria as laid down in Paragraphs 6, 6A, 6B and 6C of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968.Further, Para 16A of the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968 also provides for suspension or withdrawal of recognition of the political parties. *******