SC orders BJP Govt. to disclose actions taken on in increase in politicians’ assets

SC orders BJP Govt. to disclose actions taken on in increase in politicians’ assets
Supreme Court orders BJP Govt. to disclose actions taken on in increase in politicians’ assets
The Supreme Court is hearing a plea on disclosure of sources of income by candidates contesting elections when they file nomination.

Who Filed the PIL?
public interest litigation (PIL) is filed by Lucknow-based NGO, Lok Prahari, that wants amendment in election law to make it necessary for a candidate to disclose his and his family’s sources of income at the time of filing nomination form.
Association for Democratic Reform’s (ADR) too has moved an intervention application in the case.
ADR has claimed that assets of 4 current Lok Sabha MPs have increased by 1200%. 22 MPs have declared an asset increase of over 500%.
One newly elected Rajya Sabha MP Anil Madhav Dave has declared an asset growth of over 2,100% since he last filed his affidavit.
Seven other newly elected Rajya Sabha MPs have declared increase of over 200%, it said.

Taking strong exception to the BJP governments failure in disclosing action taken against politicians whose assets have jumped manifold between two elections, the Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered the government to place the necessary information before it within seven days.

Supreme Court Bench said “You are not averse to electoral reforms but have not placed any necessary details. Is this the attitude of the government of India? What have you done till now?”

"The information in CBDT affidavit is vague. If this is the attitude of the Government of India, what can be done? Why don't you place the information before the court on what you have done in those cases. Please place the information before us,"

“You better file a detailed affidavit. This affidavit which you have filed is nothing but typed papers. Do not make vague statements. If the CBDT has taken some action, please disclose what action has been taken,” the bench said, giving liberty to the government to furnish the data in a sealed cover.

“Give reasons if you do not want the information to be made public,” the bench told the lawyer.

BJP government counsel,advocate failed to provide data on how many enquiries has the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) initiated against politicians whose assets have seen a massive jump, in some cases up to 500%, after their elections.

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Thursday, September 7, 2017

Tags – Election Reforms India Politician Assets Increase