New Delhi: In a significant legal development, a petition has been filed in the Supreme Court of India seeking the confiscation of election donations received through the controversial electoral bonds. The petition argues that these donations were neither genuine nor voluntary contributions and calls for the money to be seized from political parties.
Background of the Case:
The petition, submitted by Khem Singh Bhati, references the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on February 15, 2023, in the case of ‘Association for Democratic Reforms vs Union of India.’ This ruling declared the 2018 Electoral Bond Scheme unconstitutional, citing violations of Articles 14 (equality before law) and 19 (freedom of speech and expression) of the Indian Constitution. Consequently, the court directed the State Bank of India (SBI) to halt the issuance of electoral bonds and to disclose details of bonds purchased from April 12, 2019, until the date of the judgment.
Allegations of Corruption:
The petition, drafted by senior advocate Vijay Hansaria and filed through advocate Jayesh K Unnikrishnan, levels serious allegations against the electoral bond scheme. It claims that the funds received by political parties were not legitimate donations or voluntary contributions. Instead, it describes the money as ‘barter money’ from corporate entities, suggesting that these contributions were made in exchange for undue advantages from the government. The petition asserts that such transactions compromised the public exchequer and were used to either avoid criminal prosecution or secure lucrative contracts and policy benefits.
Call for Investigation:
In addition to seeking the confiscation of the funds, the petitioner has also requested the formation of a committee led by a former Supreme Court judge. This committee would investigate the alleged illegal benefits provided to donors by public authorities, scrutinizing the financial transactions and potential corruption linked to the electoral bond scheme.
Implications:
This petition highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding the electoral bond system, which has been criticized for lacking transparency and facilitating corporate influence in politics. The Supreme Court’s decision on this matter could have far-reaching implications for political financing and corruption in India.
As the case proceeds, it will be closely watched by political analysts, legal experts, and the general public, given its potential impact on the integrity of India’s democratic processes and electoral fairness.
