The Supreme Court scrutinized the issue of electoral bonds on Monday, commanding the State Bank of India (SBI) to reveal associated details by March 21st. By this deadline, it will become crystal clear which companies or individuals have donated to which political parties through electoral bonds. The Supreme Court's new directives leave no room for political parties to hide donor names anymore.
Recently, SBI shared data with the Election Commission. Subsequently, political parties provided their transaction details. The Election Commission has made this data public. While some parties have disclosed their donors, most have kept these names confidential. Now, with a three-day deadline, if political parties fail to disclose donor names, SBI will do so on their behalf. The bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, along with Justices Sanjeev Khanna, BR Gavai, JB Pardiwala, and Manoj Mishra, reiterated the importance of full disclosure during the hearing.
Only 3 days left for SBI: 'All details must be public by Thursday 5 PM', orders SC on electoral bonds
'Political Parties Can No Longer Conceal Information'
Earlier, SBI's data handed to the Election Commission outlined the total donations to each party and which companies purchased bonds. However, it wasn't clear which company or individual donated to which party. Now, conforming with the Supreme Court's order, political parties must also make this information public. The ruling clarified that political parties are obligated to disclose these electoral bond details and cannot withhold any information.
Source: aajtak
