Answer:

Right to Information, is derived from the fundamental right of freedom of speech and expression under Article 19 of the Constitution. The basic objective of the Right to Information Act is to empower the citizens, promote transparency and accountability in the working of the Government.

Merits of bringing political parties under Right to Information Act

• Increased transparency and accountability: Bringing political parties under RTI would subject their internal workings, funding sources, decision-making processes, and candidate selection procedures to public scrutiny. This could potentially reduce corruption, nepotism, and opaque dealings within parties, leading to cleaner politics.
• Informed electorate: With access to information about parties' platforms, finances, and activities, voters could make more informed decisions during elections. This could strengthen democracy by promoting accountability and responsiveness to public concerns.
• Reduced political corruption: Increased transparency about funding sources and expenditure could deter financial irregularities and corrupt practices within parties. Additionally, exposing internal party dynamics could shed light on potential deals and quid pro quos, making it harder for corruption to flourish.
• Level playing field: Smaller parties, often at a disadvantage due to limited resources and visibility, could benefit from access to information about larger parties' strategies and funding. This could create a more level playing field during elections.

Demerits of bringing political parties under Right to Information Act

• Internal dissent and disruption: RTI requests could potentially be used to stir up internal dissent within parties by making internal disagreements public. This could hamper party functioning and decision-making processes.
• Strategic information leakages: Opponents may use RTI requests to strategically obtain and use sensitive information about a party's internal planning or strategies, giving them an unfair advantage in elections.
• Frivolous requests and harassment: The RTI Act's wide ambit could be misused to submit frivolous requests aimed at harassing or burdening political parties with unnecessary paperwork and administrative processes.
• Impact on free speech and association: Some argue that applying RTI to parties could infringe on their right to free speech and association, as internal discussions and strategies might be protected under these rights.
• Operational feasibility and challenges: Implementing RTI for parties could be challenging, considering their diverse structures and funding sources. Defining the scope of information disclosure and setting up proper administrative mechanisms could be complex and resource-intensive.

While transparency unlocks immense potential, the concerns about internal functioning and strategic leaks present legitimate hurdles. There is a need to find a way to leverage RTI's power for increased accountability without jeopardizing the effective functioning of our political parties. Crafting a meticulously balanced approach that prioritizes both transparency and responsible implementation is the need of the hour.