SC refuses to hear plea against disclosure of income sources by poll candidates

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to hear the petition filed by Lucknow-based NGO Lok Prahari seeking disclosure of sources of income by candidates for parliamentary and assembly elections.

The apex court asked the petitioner to approach the High Court for relief.

Lok Prahari had told the apex court that the candidates should disclose their source of income to the Election Commission (EC)

Citing instances of an exponential increase in assets held by lawmakers in just five years, the petitioner said assets of four sitting Lok Sabha members had increased by 1,200 per cent. There was 500 per cent increase in assets of 22 other Lok Sabha members.

The Supreme Court on July 19, 2016, issued notices to the Centre and the Election Commission on a plea by Lok Prahari that candidates should disclose sources of income and whether they hold stakes in entities with business transactions with the government.