On Friday, the Supreme Court has agreed to hear a petition seeking mandatory rules for registration and regulation of political parties to ensure transparency, secularism, and political accountability.
A Bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi issued notice to the Union Government, the Election Commission of India (ECI), and the Law Commission of India on the plea filed by Advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay. The Court, however, noted that no political party was made a party to the proceedings, observing that such directions cannot be sought without impleading them. The petitioner has been asked to include all recognised national parties in the matter.
The petition alleged that in the absence of a regulatory framework, several parties have misused their status to induct persons with criminal backgrounds and even convert black money into white through dubious practices. It further contended that transparency in the functioning of political parties is essential since they perform a public function.
The plea also urged that, alternatively, the Law Commission should examine international practices and submit a report on regulating political parties in India to curb corruption and criminalisation in politics.
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