The Supreme Court has invalidated the electoral bonds scheme for political funding. The court, consisting of a 5-judge bench, declared on February 15, 2024, that the scheme violates citizens’ right to information.
- State Bank of India has been instructed to immediately cease issuing electoral bonds and provide donation details through this method to the Election Commission of India.
- The court found that the scheme’s objectives of combating black money and maintaining donor confidentiality are insufficient justifications.
- The Supreme Court emphasized that electoral bonds are not the exclusive solution to address the issue of black money.
- The electoral bonds scheme was introduced by the government on January 2, 2018, aiming to replace cash donations and enhance transparency in political funding.
- Eligibility for receiving electoral bonds was limited to political parties registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, securing at least 1% of the votes in the last Lok Sabha or state legislative assembly elections.
Q: What did the Supreme Court do regarding the electoral bonds scheme for political funding?
a. Upheld its constitutionality
b. Invalidated the scheme
c. Proposed amendments to the scheme
d. Requested more information from the government
Ans : b. Invalidated the scheme
Q: On what grounds did the Supreme Court declare the electoral bonds scheme as violating citizens’ rights?
a. Violation of privacy
b. Violation of the right to information
c. Unfair distribution of funds
d. Lack of transparency in political funding
Ans : b. Violation of the right to information
