The Supreme Court is reviewing a plea for the Election Commission to establish rules for political party registration and regulation, addressing concerns over transparency and accountability. This matters as it could impact the integrity of democratic governance in India.

On November 3, 2025, the Supreme Court of India announced it would review a petition requesting the Election Commission of India (ECI) to formulate rules governing the registration and regulation of political parties. The petitioner, A.K. Upadhyay, contends that political parties should be treated as public authorities due to their significant influence on governance and public policy. He argues that the ECI has a responsibility to de-register 'shell' parties and prevent convicted individuals from forming or leading political parties. The plea emphasizes the need for transparency regarding the internal structure and functioning of political parties, which are essential to the democratic process. The court's decision could lead to increased scrutiny and accountability of political entities, thereby enhancing the integrity of elections in India.