The central information commission (CIC) has ruled that six major national parties come under the purview of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

What does that mean? What kind of information can be sought from the Congress, BJP and others? As a sample, here is what the two complainants – Subhash Agrawal and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) had sought to know, leading to the June 3 verdict.

By his RTI application of May 16, 2011, Agrawal wanted the following information from the presidents/secretaries of the Congress and the BJP (ad verbatim, as quoted in the CIC verdict):

“1. Copies of Election Menifestoes by BJP for Lok Sabha elections in the years it formed NDA govenment with Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee as Prime Minister.

2. Were all the promises made in these election manifestoes fulfilled after BJP having formed government at the Centre.

3. If not, list of promises highlighted in BJP election manifestoes but remained unfulfilled after BJP came to power.

4. Outline of receipts (separately by cash/online/cheque etc) by BJP in last two years separately for each year for which updated account information may be there.

5. Outline of payments (separately by cash/online/cheque etc.) made by BJP in last three years separately for each year for which updated account information may be there.

6. Is it compulsory for every BJP legislature either at Centre or in States or in civic bodies etc to contribute towards party funds?

7. If yes, please provide complete and detailed information including also defaulters in making such contributions to party fund in last three years.

8. Is BJP aware of any of its legislatures (both at Centre and in States)/civic body member etc. involved in corrupt and other malpractices in last three years?

9. If yes, please provide complete details including action taken by party and others against such persons.

10. Has B.J.P. suggested any proposals to Union government /Election Commission towards electoral reforms?

11. If yes, please provide complete details including reply received from concerned ones if any.

12. Any other related information;

13. File notings on movement of this RTI petition and on all aspects mentioned in this RTI petition.”

Anil Bairwal of ADR, in his RTI application dated October 29, 2010 had sought the following information from six national parties (Congress, BJP, NCP, CPM, CPI and BSP):

“1. a) Sources of the 10 maximum voluntary contributions received by your party from Financial Year 2004-05 to Financial Year 2009-10?

b) The modes of these donations (Cheque, cash, DD etc.)?

c) The amounts of these donations?

d) The Financial Years in which these contributions were made?

2. Sources/Names of all Voluntary Contributors along with their addresses who have made single contributions of more than Rs. 1 lakh to your party from Financial Year 2004-05 to Financial Year 2009-10?”