In a landmark decision, the Chief Information Commissioner has ruled that all political parties come under the ambit of the Right to Information Act. The ruling provides for greater transparency in the working of the political parties as now the public has the right to get information about their functioning and funding.

Major political parties of the country had in November 2012 vehemently opposed any move to bring them under the RTI Act saying that facilities and subsidised buildings given for their offices do not constitute funding from the government.

According to the RTI Act, a non-governmental body is declared a public authority if it is substantially financed, directly or indirectly by funds provided by the appropriate government. Such public authorities are answerable to public queries raised under the transparency law.

During the hearing in November 2012, all national political parties like the BJP, the BSP, the CPI-M and the NCP except the Congress were present. (PTI)