RTI and Political Parties_Round Table Discussion

One of the speaker Rao garu, participated in  Quit India (1942) Movement, he was so energetic while speaking for the betterment of country, otherwise very week. 

Another Speaker was Sharam garu, Retd IAS, he is an example of democratic citizen, who never tires in fighting democratically for the betterment of our democratic polity.

The next Speaker was Satyanarayana Garu, one of the four advisors India send to Nepal for drafting their Constitution. Great RTI activist.

And none other than Chakradhar, who initiated the program, and arraging a round table meeting. His profession is service to the most needy in the society. He set the agenda and left the discussion to the members.

And Avinash, My Classmate in Law, who actually invited me to the meeting. Thank You Avi! :)


In the debate, I focused Mainly on the non-maintainability of DoPT affidavit in Supreme Court.

Because as per rule of law in any court of law, we have to show based on what sections or subsections or clauses, we are supporting our arguments.

But the DoPT affidavit rejecting political parties in the ambit of RTI shows nothing.

Some of their major arguments are
1. Parliament never thought, while discussing the bill
2. Political Rivals may misuse RTI Act
3. Political parties are already disclosing financial details.
4. Political Parties are not Public authorities, they are not established under constitution or statute
are some of the grounds among others

How ever,
1. Once Bill is passed, the interpretation of law in the hand of Court and not of that of executive, thus, CIC already interpreted Political parties as Public authorities. Now that order is Challenged in Supreme Court
2. Perception of use/misuse cannot be ground in any court of law to seek exemption from any Act.
3. Law Commission in its report 255 clearly laid down procedure to disclose financial transactions, but the political parties never take them seriously
4.When the entire Govt is Controlled by Political parties, where is the question of them being non-public authorities.
5. Political parties are not included in schedule 2 of RTI Act, which only can provide exemption.

It is Irony that democratic Polity is ruled by undemocratic political parties, it is time for people to demand more transparency.

Supreme Court must stand up to the occasion and  bring political parties under RTI ambit even with some protective measures to them.

Time Up guys, We have to demand more transparency and accountability from political parties for the betterment of Our, our Kids and Our Nation's Future.