A new petition has been filed in the Supreme Court on the demand of bringing political parties under the ambit of Right to Information (RTI) Act. The petition also sought to make political parties accountable and curb the use of black money in the elections. This petition has been filed by Delhi BJP spokesperson and lawyer Ashwini Upadhyaya. He has demanded the center to curb corruption and communalism.

It has been stated in the petition that the parties registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to be declared public authority under section 2 (h) of the RTI Act 2005. They have been asked to make them transparent and responsible for the people. The PIL has demanded to direct the Election Commission. The Commission has been asked to direct the RTI Act and other laws related to political parties to ensure compliance.

Pointing out the donations and corruption received from secret sources to political parties, the petition said that central and state governments have provided land for the political parties across the country. It is either free or at a discounted rate. This is the financial help given to the political parties indirectly. During the election they are given free broadcasting time on Doordarshan. This is the second example of such financial help. If this is taken into consideration then the expenditure on political parties can be crossed by thousands of rupees.

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