What is Electoral Bond

Supreme Court Strikes Down Electoral Bonds Scheme, Declaring it Unconstitutional

The Supreme Court has scrapped the Centre's electoral bonds scheme, ruling it as a violation of right to information and freedom of speech.

The Supreme Court's recent decision to strike down the Electoral Bonds Scheme on Thursday has sparked widespread discussions. The court emphasized that the scheme violated the fundamental right to information, shedding light on the importance of transparency in political funding. The verdict was met with both criticism and support, with many advocating for more stringent regulations to ensure fair and transparent elections. The ruling has significant implications on the political landscape of India, raising questions about the influence of corporate funding on democratic processes.

The sale of Electoral Bonds in Mumbai, totaling a staggering amount of 4009.4 crore rupees from March 2018 to January 2024, underscores the scale of financial involvement in political activities. The decision has stirred debate on the efficacy of anonymous political funding and its impact on the democratic fabric of the country.

Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud emphasized the critical role of transparency in political party funding, stating that access to such information is essential for voters to make informed decisions during elections. The verdict marks a significant milestone in the efforts to uphold democratic principles and ensure the integrity of electoral processes.

In another significant development, the Supreme Court's ruling on the Electoral Bonds Scheme highlighted the dangers of unlimited corporate funding in elections. The decision underscores the need for comprehensive reforms to prevent undue influence and maintain the fairness of electoral practices.

**Interesting Facts:** - The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) played a pivotal role in raising awareness about the implications of the Electoral Bonds Scheme. - The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the largest recipient of donations through Electoral Bonds in 2019, reflecting the scale of corporate contributions in Indian politics.