New Delhi, Mar 18: Amidst concerns raised by the Central government regarding the misinterpretation and potential misuse of its verdict on the Electoral Bonds scheme, the Supreme Court has taken decisive steps to uphold transparency and accountability in political funding.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta voiced apprehensions regarding the distortion of statistics related to electoral bonds on social media platforms, highlighting the need to prevent misrepresentation of the court’s judgment.
However, the Court reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law and clarified its role in enforcing constitutional principles. Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud emphasized the Court’s dedication to upholding its directives outlined in the judgment.
In response, the Court directed the State Bank of India (SBI) to disclose comprehensive information concerning electoral bonds, including alphanumeric numbers associated with each bond.
This decision aims to ensure transparency and completeness in the proceedings, addressing concerns over the potential misuse of the scheme.
Previously, the Court had instructed SBI to provide details of electoral bond purchases and redemptions, spanning from April 12, 2019, until the date of the judgment.
Despite earlier requests for an extension by SBI, the Court stood firm on its directive, emphasizing the significance of disclosing all relevant information to maintain integrity in the electoral process.
The Electoral Bonds scheme, introduced through the Finance Act, of 2017, faced legal challenges over allegations of facilitating unchecked funding of political parties. After years of litigation, the Supreme Court invalidated the scheme in February, signalling a significant development in electoral transparency.
Subsequent proceedings have focused on obtaining comprehensive data from SBI to facilitate transparency in political funding. As the Court continues to address concerns regarding electoral funding mechanisms, its directives aim to uphold democratic principles and ensure accountability in the political process.