SC seeks Centre, EC’s response on plea seeking disclosure of political funding

The Supreme Court on Monday sought the response of the Central government and the Election Commission of India (ECI) on a public interest litigation (PIL) plea that sought directions mandating all political parties in India to disclose details of any amount of political funding received by them.

- TDG NETWORK

The PIL plea filed by one Khem Singh Bhati has also challenged the constitutional validity of Section 13A (d) of The Income Tax Act, 1961, provides for political parties to avail fundings to the extent of Rs. 2000 by means of cash payments. Section 13A of the aforesaid Act grants exemption to political parties from being taxed on their income received through contributions.

“The petitioner is also seeking mandamus that the political parties must disclose the name and all other particulars of the person paying any amount of money to it, and no amount can be received in cash so as to maintain transparency in the political funding’, the plea reads