[Registration Of Political Parties Under Section 29A]

Summary

This two-page letter, dated June 17, 1994, is addressed by the Swatantra Party, Maharashtra, to the Secretary of the Election Commission of India. It concerns the party’s proposed registration under section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and responds to the Commission’s request for an application, party particulars, constitution, and a provision affirming allegiance to socialism, secularism, and democracy.

Key points

• The letter seeks clarification about registering the Swatantra Party under section 29A.
• The party refers to an earlier letter dated August 1, 1989, and a response from Research Officer K. P. G. Kutty dated August 12, 1989.
• The Election Commission’s requested provision requires parties to affirm true faith and allegiance to the Constitution and the principles of socialism, secularism, and democracy.
• The Maharashtra Swatantra Party states that it supports secularism and democracy but opposes socialism.
• The letter asks whether registration will be accepted if the party rejects the reference to socialism in section 29A(5).
• The document is signed by J. Venkiteswaran as President; J. Venkiteswaran and L. R. Sampat are listed in the letterhead as President and General Secretary respectively.