- The SC has taken a firm stance by dismissing the State Bank of India’s (SBI) plea for an extension until June 30 to submit details of electoral bonds to the Election Commission of India.
- The decision not only serves as a significant development in Indian jurisprudence but also reaffirms the judiciary’s commitment to upholding democratic principles.
- The five-judge Constitution bench, led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, emphasized the necessity of prompt disclosure regarding electoral bonds encashed by political entities.
- Meanwhile, NGOs expressed concern over the SBI’s alleged deliberate delay in disclosing donor information, fearing it could impact the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.
- This development follows a landmark verdict on February 15, where the Supreme Court deemed the electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional and mandated disclosure of donor details by March 13.
In a significant move towards ensuring transparency in India’s electoral process, the Supreme Court has taken a firm stance by dismissing the State Bank of India’s (SBI) plea for an extension until June 30 to submit details of electoral bonds to the Election Commission of India. Instead, the apex court directed the SBI to disclose these crucial details by the end of business hours on March 12. This decision came as the court expressed dissatisfaction with the delay in revealing information regarding each electoral bond encashed by political parties.
Under the headline, “Supreme Court Orders Immediate Disclosure of Electoral Bond Details: Upholding Transparency in Electoral Funding,” the apex court’s proactive approach towards maintaining transparency in the electoral process is underscored. The decision not only serves as a significant development in Indian jurisprudence but also reaffirms the judiciary’s commitment to upholding democratic principles.
The Supreme Court’s directive came amidst a separate plea by the Association of Democratic Reforms and Common Cause, seeking contempt action against the SBI for allegedly disobeying the court’s earlier directive to submit these details by March 6. This highlights the growing concern among civil society organizations regarding the transparency and integrity of electoral funding in India.
The five-judge Constitution bench, led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, emphasized the necessity of prompt disclosure regarding electoral bonds encashed by political entities. Senior advocate Harish Salve, representing the SBI, argued for additional time, citing complexities in the process of reversing the anonymity measures implemented within the electoral bond scheme. However, the bench reiterated the need for transparency and plain disclosure as per their previous judgment.
In its plea for an extension until June 30, the SBI highlighted the intricate nature of retrieving and matching data from various sources involved in the electoral bond system. It emphasized the segregation of data into distinct “silos” to maintain the anonymity of donors. However, the Court asserted that the bank’s role was simply to open sealed covers, compile information, and provide it to the Election Commission.
Meanwhile, NGOs expressed concern over the SBI’s alleged deliberate delay in disclosing donor information, fearing it could impact the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. They argued that the last-minute application for an extension was an attempt to evade public scrutiny, undermining the integrity of the electoral process.
The contempt plea filed against the SBI highlighted the traceability of electoral bonds through a secret number-based record maintained by the bank. It emphasized the importance of transparency in political finances, citing constitutional provisions safeguarding the public’s right to information.
This development follows a landmark verdict on February 15, where the Supreme Court deemed the electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional and mandated disclosure of donor details by March 13. The subsequent directive to the SBI to submit bond details by March 6 underscores the Court’s commitment to upholding transparency and accountability in electoral funding.
In essence, the Supreme Court’s order for immediate disclosure of electoral bond details signifies a pivotal step towards ensuring transparency and fairness in India’s electoral process. It stands as a testament to the judiciary’s role in safeguarding the democratic values enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
(With inputs from agencies)
