Supreme Court Seeks ECI Response on on PIL Seeking Regulation of Corruption in Political Parties

The Supreme Court has issued notice on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking Election Commission rules to regulate corruption and criminalisation within political parties.

The petitioner illustrates the ECI's power over political parties and argues that they fall within the ambit of "Public Authority".

In this regard, the petitioner highlights that political parties hold constitutional and statutory status as well as have constitutional powers under the 10th Schedule.

The plea demands transparency in party funding, internal democracy, and accountability for candidates with criminal backgrounds. 

[Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay v Union of India & Ors.]