NEW DELHI, Nov 9 � Political parties have opposed the Election Commission (EC) guidelines on ensuring transparency in electoral funds and sought their roll-back, calling them legally �untenable� and �vague�.
The EC had implemented these guidelines, called Transparency and Accountability in Party Funds and Election Expenditure, from October 1 this year and had stipulated a slew of measures including a ban on cash payments above Rs 20,000 except by cheque.
These norms aim to end opaqueness in the process of getting donations and funds by political parties in their coffers and those given to candidates.
Questioning the �legality and constitutionality� of implementing these directives, the Congress said the guidelines �are legally untenable and are liable to be set aside on judicial review.�
�It is, therefore, requested that before giving effect to the guidelines, the Commission may be pleased to hold a meeting of all the political parties on the subject and also refer the matter to the Ministry of Law and Justice for taking appropriate action as per law,� Congress treasurer Motilal Vora wrote on October 7. � PTI
