NEW DELHI: Civil society members and RTI activists sharply criticized political parties for their reluctance to accept the Central Information Commission (CIC) order bringing them under the RTI act. In a reflection of their cautious stance, the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR was the principle applicant who sought information on donors to political parties) filed a caveat on Tuesday with the court to prevent any party from seeking an ex-parte stay on the CIC order.

MKSS‘ Aruna Roy supported the decision saying that financial transparency was necessary. She added, We have always demanded that NGOs, trade unions, political parties, religious bodies and cooperative societies who are using public funds should be brought under the RTI act.”