'To be created for blackmailing...,' a setback for the party challenging the EC from the SC
The Supreme Court of India dismissed a petition from a regional party, Akhil Bharatiya Rashtrawadi Shiv Sena, challenging the Election Commission's decision to cancel its registration.
The Supreme Court of India has rejected a petition filed by the Akhil Bharatiya Rashtrawadi Shiv Sena, a regional political party, which challenged the Election Commission's decision to withdraw its registration. The Court's ruling came with harsh remarks, labeling such parties as entities created solely for 'blackmailing and exploitation'. The Justices highlighted the importance of active participation in elections for a party to maintain its registration status.
During the hearings, Justice J. Bagchi questioned the party's lawyer on the legitimacy of their claim, given the party's inactivity in elections from 2023 to 2025. The party had previously contested elections in Punjab in 2022 and in Kerala in 2023, but their inactivity in other periods raised concerns regarding their operational legitimacy. Chief Justice of India (CJI) invoked strong words, suggesting that parties like these are merely formed to justify their existence without contributing meaningfully to the political landscape.
The Supreme Court's decision underscores the Election Commission's authority to deregister parties that do not actively participate in the electoral process over extended periods. This ruling signifies a critical stance against political entities that could misuse the political system for selfish purposes, reinforcing the need for accountability and engagement among political parties in India.