SC Defers Hearing On PILs Seeking RTI Inclusion For Major Political Parties

Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Thursday postponed the hearing of public interest litigations (PILs) seeking to bring major national political parties under the purview of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

A bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud stated that the matter would be taken up after the summer vacation.

Back Ground Of Case

The PILs, filed by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and others, aim to enhance transparency and accountability in the functioning of political parties. The petitioners argue that national parties receive substantial indirect state funding—such as land allocations, tax exemptions, and free airtime—and should therefore be classified as public authorities under Section 2(h) of the RTI Act.

The petition challenges the non-compliance of political parties with a 2013 order by the Central Information Commission (CIC), which had ruled that six national parties, including the BJP and the Congress, qualify as public authorities under the Act. Despite the ruling, the parties have since refused to comply, prompting legal action to enforce the CIC’s directive.

Court Observation

During previous hearings, the Supreme Court had expressed concern over the opaque functioning of political entities and the lack of transparency in their funding sources. However, the Centre and political parties have opposed the move, arguing that such inclusion under RTI would hinder their internal functioning and affect political autonomy.

The matter is now expected to be heard after the court resumes post-summer recess.