Political Parties Watch

Political parties function as the key link between the people and their representatives, and thus, in their structure and working, they must adhere to democratic norms and transparency. ADR has been making several efforts to bring greater transparency and accountability in the functioning of political parties:

 • It had sought disclosure of financial information by the political parties, in line with the recommendations of the Indrajit Gupta Committee Report (1998) on state funding of election expenses and the 170th report of the Law Commission. To view these reports, click here

 • The Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) vide his order dated April 29, 2008 (link), has held that copies of the Income Tax Returns of the political parties filed with the public authorities and the assessment orders passed on them will be available to the citizens. Taking it forward, ADR has been analysing the copies of the IT Returns of political parties collected using RTI. For more information, click here

• Additionally, ADR has been collating details on all state sponsored facilities being provided to political parties in an effort to strengthen its case with respect to a pending complaint with the CIC on declaration of political parties as ‘public authorities’.

• Under the Political Party Watch Program, ADR has also started analysis of election expenses and also contribution reports of political parties. For more information, click here