The Congress Party on Tuesday, referring to the notice issued by the Supreme Court to bring political parties within the ambit of the Right to Information Act, said that it would be the first party to adhere to the apex court’s directions.

“Congress Party will take an opinion after holding elaborate discussion on the issue and we will place our viewpoint before the Supreme Court since the matter is already sub judice. We are of the opinion that political parties are not within the domain of RTI. However, whatever Supreme Court decides will be acceptable to us and Congress Party will be the first one to adhere to the directions of the Supreme Court,” Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala told ANI here.

“But of course, we have a right to place our viewpoint before the Supreme Court and we shall do so,” he added.

The Supreme Court today sought responses from the Centre, the Election Commission and six political parties, including Congress and BJP, on a plea to declare all national and regional political parties “public authorities” to bring them under the ambit of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

The apex court bench headed by Chief Justice H.L. Dattu issued notice on a plea by Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) that sought transparency and accountability in the functioning of recognised national and regional political parties.

It had also sought declaration of entire details of donations and funding received by the political parties, irrespective of the amount donated and details of donors making donations to them and to electoral trusts.