On Thursday, Supreme Court: Electoral Bonds scheme violates human rights, declaring it “unconstitutional.” In a unanimous verdict, the court emphasized the importance of information for the right to vote, highlighting the crucial role of political parties in the electoral process.

A five-judge Constitution bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud and Justices Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, JB Pardiwala, and Manoj Misra delivered the judgment.

Introduced in January 2018, electoral bonds are financial instruments purchasable by individuals or corporate entities from a bank, which can then be presented to a political party for redemption into funds.

The bench directed that the Election Commission of India must disclose the particulars of electoral bond purchases on its website by March 13, 2024. Furthermore, the Supreme Court specified that the State Bank of India (SBI) will furnish details of parties receiving electoral bond contributions from the period between the 2019 interim order and the present.

Chief Justice DY Chandrachud asserted that when the law allows for political contributions, it also implies the disclosure of contributors’ affiliations, a responsibility constitutionally protected.

The Chief Justice noted that contributions from individuals may signify a level of support, while those from corporations are strictly business transactions.

“The contributions extend to parties with minimal representation. Transactions with expectations of reciprocity do not necessarily reflect political endorsement. The Constitution does not overlook potential misuse solely based on its scale,” asserted the bench in its verdict.

“In conclusion, Supreme Court: Electoral Bonds scheme violates human rights, the Supreme Court’s ruling leaves no doubt. Stay informed about further developments and the ongoing discourse surrounding this pivotal decision.”