The Supreme Court has struck down Electoral Bonds Scheme on Thursday.The court said that the Electoral Bond Scheme violates right to information, can lead to quid pro quo
Just months ahead of the Lok Sabha election, the Supreme Court on Thursday scrapped Electoral Bond Scheme that allowed anonymous funding to political parties. Supreme Court’s five-judge CJI DY Chandrachud, and Justices Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, JB Pardiwala, and Manoj Misra pronounced the judgement. The apex court said that the Scheme violates right to information, can lead to quid pro quo. “Electoral bonds scheme is not the only scheme to curb black money. There are other alternatives,” the top court added.
Electoral Bonds Scheme verdict LIVE: ‘Important step in ensuring transparency’: AAP
The Aam Aadmi Party on Thursday welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision on electoral bonds, saying it is an important step in ensuring transparency in election funding.
“We welcome this decision. This is an important step in the transparency of election funding. Otherwise through electoral bonds, it was not known which person was giving funds to which party. It is important for country’s democracy that it is known which person is giving how much money to which political party,” Delhi Cabinet minister Atishi said.
Electoral Bonds Scheme verdict LIVE: Chronology of events
2017: The Electoral bond scheme was introduced in the Finance Bill
September 14, 2017: NGO ‘Association for Democratic Reforms’, lead petitioner, moves SC challenging the scheme.
October 3, 2017: SC issues notices to Centre and EC on PIL filed by the NGO.
January 2, 2018: The Central government notifies the Electoral Bond Scheme.
November 7, 2022: The electoral bond scheme was amended to increase the sale days from 70 to 85 in a year where any assembly election may be scheduled.
October 16, 2023: The SC bench headed by CJI DY Chandrachud refers pleas against the scheme to a five-judge Constitution bench.
October 31, 2023: A five-judge Constitution bench headed by CJI D Y Chandrachud commences hearing on pleas against the scheme.
November 2, 2023: Supreme Court reserves verdict
February 15, 2024: SC delivers unanimous judgment annulling the scheme.
This article was originally published on Hindustantimes News!
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