The Election Commission (EC) has disagreed with the Centre on the amendment of the law regarding the funding of the political parties.
According to the poll panel, the Union Law Ministry’s proposal to carry out modifications to ‘Form 24A’ -- used by the political parties for mandatory declaration of the donations received by them -- required an amendment to the electoral law. This the EC contended was uncalled for as it could be done by amending the rules. “The changes in the format of reporting of monetary contributions that are declared by the political parties in ‘Form 24A’ under Section 29 of the RP Act can be done by a notification under the Conduct of Election Rules,” EC officials said.
As a precedent, they pointed out that Section 29C of the RP Act does not seek details of the contributor’s name, address, PAN and mode of contribution, be it through a cheque, demand draft or cash, but the existing ‘Form 24A’ did seek these details from the political parties. “These details are sought under Rule 86(b) of Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 and this rule exists for the smooth implementation of the provisions of the RP Act,” an official said.