CPI ON CIC RULING

The Central Secretariat of the Communist Party of India has issued following statement to the press today:

Communist Party of India expresses surprise at the ruling of Central Information Commission (CIC) that all Political parties are public Authority under the RTI.

CPI stands for transferency of funds, sources of funds and expenditure of the political parties.  Political parties are flesh and blood of Indian Democracy.  Political parties as voluntary public organizations are accountable on their sources of income.  This we made it clear even in our affidavit to CIC.

But CPI does not agree with CIC’s ruling that political parties are public authority.

The arguments given to declare political parties are more technical.  Income tax exemptions, allotment of land for construction of party offices at New Delhi or elsewhere, does not make political parties as organizations funded by Government.  In a democratic setup political parties should be given such facilities, for effective and efficient functioning. 

Some of the arguments about the so called “substantial financing” of political parties, and its present ‘market price’ are misleading.  CPI requested for sale of a piece of land in New Delhi for its office, Government refused to sell the land but allotted the land on lease to our party 37 years back; when the entire area was unoccupied the cost was only few lack of rupees then.  Now CIC says the present market value in 2013 is 78 crores!

Section 2(h) of the RTI Act which defines “Public authority” does not apply to Political Parties.

Political parties are independent, autonomous voluntary organizations. 

CPI is of the view that there should be right of privacy and confidentiality of party internal discussions and decisions.  Others who are non-party members have no right to peep into minute’s books, discussions, criteria of selection of candidates, or methods of promotions or disciplinary action etc. Even
Mr. Agarwal RTI activist’s petition was for knowing the sources of finance to political parties.

These are of concern only to Party members.  Public have the right to know about sources of finances, about the functioning of internal democracy and names of office bearers etc. It can be misused by rivals to create problems to any political party, besides interfering into the private affairs of political parties.

CIC should reconsider its decision on this ruling. CPI will discuss with likeminded parties and decide the future course of action