At least 24 political parties from Tamil Nadu that have been categorised as ‘registered unrecognised political parties’ are likely to be issued show cause notices by the Election Commission of India, as they have not contested even a single election during the past six years.

Political parties registered under provisions of Section 29A of the Representation of the Peoples Act, 1951, are entitled to many benefits – exemption from income tax (under Section 13A of the IT Act), recognition (under para 6 of symbols order), common symbol allotment and nomination of star campaigners, among others.

The purpose of registration of an association as a political party with the Commission under the Section 29A of the Act was to avail of the provisions of that part for the purposes of the RP Act, 1951, which meant participation in elections conducted by the Commission.

“Over time, a large number of political parties have been registered. However, it has come to the notice that many of the registered unrecognised political parties have not contested even a single election for the last six years since 2019 and many of them have ceased to exist,” a communication from the Commission to the Chief Electoral Officer said.

It further directed the CEO to issue show cause notices to each of the 24 political parties and on hearing their response, it directed the CEO to send a detailed proposal with recommendation as to whether it should be delisted.