S.S. Shinde, J. - (1.) Heard. Rule. Rule made returnable forthwith, and heard finally with the consent of the parties.
(2.) This Petition is filed seeking directions to the respondent to consider and decide the representation dated 24.05.2010 in respect of registration of 'Satya Shodhak Samaj Party' as a political party for nation and issue registration certificate in favour of the petitioner under the Representation of People's Act, 1951. It is further prayed to quash and set aside the letter dated 5th March, 2010, issued by under Secretariat of the Election Commission of India i.e. respondent no.2.
(3.) It is the case of the petitioner that on 23rd December, 2004, the petitioner and other members of the party formed a political party in the name of 'Satya Shodhak Samaj Party' [for short 'said party']. Thereafter, proposal in respect of registration of the said party as political party was submitted before the Election Commission, Mumbai. On 8th August, 2005, the Maharashtra State Election Commission has given recognition to the party of the petitioner as a political party. However, said recognition is to the extent of State of Maharashtra. Thereafter on 03.11.2008, the member of the said party has decided to expand the said party in the entire nation as a political party. Thereafter on 25.11.2008 the petitioner submitted proposal for registration of the said party as a political party to expand its activities through out the nation, under the Representation of People's Act, 1951, to respondent no.2. On 17.02.2009, 20.08.2009 and 23.09.2009 the Commission i.e. respondent no.2 has raised certain objections. Thereafter, the petitioner has removed all the objection within time.;