Election Commission Scraps Plans for Donor Disclosure, Upholding Voters’ Rights – High Court

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Electoral Bonds Scheme Scrapped by Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has made a landmark decision to scrap the electoral bonds scheme, stating that the requirement of anonymity for donors violates the rights of citizens. The court’s ruling comes as a blow to the government, which had introduced the scheme in an effort to bring transparency to political funding.

Background of the Electoral Bonds Scheme

Introduced in 2018, the electoral bonds scheme was aimed at cleansing the political funding system in India. Under the scheme, individuals and companies could purchase bonds from authorized banks and donate them to political parties. The identity of the donor would remain anonymous, with only the political party being aware of the source of the funds.

Supreme Court’s Verdict

In a significant judgment, the Supreme Court declared that the requirement of anonymity in the electoral bonds scheme undermines the transparency and accountability of political funding. The court emphasized that citizens have the right to know the identity of the donors supporting political parties. The ruling was based on the principle that transparency is essential for a healthy democracy.

Concerns Raised by Activists

Activists and opposition parties have long criticized the electoral bonds scheme for its lack of transparency. They argue that the anonymity of donors allows for the possibility of black money being used to influence elections. The Supreme Court’s decision to scrap the scheme has been hailed as a victory for those advocating for clean and transparent politics.

Impact on Political Parties

The ruling has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, particularly for parties that heavily rely on corporate funding. With the electoral bonds scheme being declared unconstitutional, political parties will now have to disclose the identity of their donors. This move is expected to bring about greater accountability and reduce the influence of big money in politics.

Government’s Response

The government, which had vehemently defended the electoral bonds scheme, expressed disappointment with the Supreme Court’s decision. It argued that the scheme was necessary to protect the privacy of donors and prevent political vendettas. The ruling has now put the onus on the government to come up with an alternative system that ensures transparency while safeguarding the privacy of donors.

Future Reforms in Political Funding

The Supreme Court’s decision to scrap the electoral bonds scheme has reignited the debate on political funding reforms. Many experts believe that the focus should now shift towards implementing a more robust and transparent system. Suggestions have been made for stricter disclosure norms, lower donation limits, and the introduction of state funding for political parties.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the electoral bonds scheme is a significant step towards ensuring transparency in political funding. By emphasizing the right of citizens to know the identity of donors, the court has taken a stance in favor of a more accountable and democratic system. The ruling is expected to pave the way for further reforms in the way political parties are funded in India..

#BREAKING | தேர்தல் பத்திரங்கள் திட்டம் ரத்து!

நன்கொடை தருவோர் குறித்த விவரங்களை தெரிவிக்கத் தேவையில்லை என்பது வாக்காளர்களின் உரிமைகளை பறிப்பதாக உள்ளது – உச்சநீதிமன்றம்#SunNews | #ElectoralBonds | #SupremeCourt pic.twitter.com/lUKdcLk5yM

— Sun News (@sunnewstamil) February 15, 2024

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@sunnewstamil said #BREAKING | தேர்தல் பத்திரங்கள் திட்டம் ரத்து! நன்கொடை தருவோர் குறித்த விவரங்களை தெரிவிக்கத் தேவையில்லை என்பது வாக்காளர்களின் உரிமைகளை பறிப்பதாக உள்ளது – உச்சநீதிமன்றம் #SunNews

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