In a crucial development concerning electoral bonds, the Supreme Court has asserted its authority. During a significant hearing on Monday, the court adopted a stern tone and questioned the State Bank of India (SBI) about its actions in the matter, granting them until March 12th to provide detailed information. Here’s a glimpse into what transpired during the hearing.
The Supreme Court, in its tough stance, demanded clarity from the State Bank of India (SBI) during the hearing on electoral bonds on Monday. The court, led by a bench of five judges, queried the SBI about the steps taken in the last 26 days regarding the bonds after they were canceled last month. The Constitutional bench, headed by Chief Justice D. Y. Chandrachud, directed the SBI to disclose the details of bonds related to political parties that were encashed before the scheme was annulled.
While addressing the court, the Chief Justice emphasized the need for the SBI to break the seal and gather all necessary details to provide information to the Election Commission. The court instructed the SBI to publish the information shared with the Election Commission by March 15th.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court made stringent comments, stating, “We have asked you to make a clear disclosure under our order. In the last 26 days, what steps have you taken? Your affidavit does not reveal anything about it.” Chief Justice D. Y. Chandrachud led the crucial hearing, joined by Justices Sanjeev Khanna, B. R. Gavai, J. B. Pardiwala, and Manoj Mishra.
The Supreme Court, addressing the SBI on the electoral bond issue, insisted on prompt disclosure to the Election Commission. The court urged immediate compliance with its order.
Electoral Bonds: Supreme Court Directs SBI to Disclose Details by March 12
What’s the Matter?
To provide context, on February 15, the Constitutional bench of five judges declared the central government’s electoral bond scheme as ‘unconstitutional.’ The Election Commission of India (ECI) was directed to collect information from donors by March 13. The court also ordered the disclosure of donation amounts and recipients. Following this, the SBI had filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking an extension until June 30. The hearing on this plea took place on Monday.
