Electoral Bonds Scheme
The Supreme Court of India, led by a five-judge Constitution bench including Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, recently declared the Electoral Bonds Scheme unconstitutional. Initiated on January 2, 2018, the scheme aimed at increasing transparency in political funding by allowing anonymous donations to political parties through bonds. The scheme was criticized for violating the Right to Information, as it kept the identity of donors hidden, potentially leading to opaque funding and quid pro quo arrangements. The Supreme Court’s decision emphasizes the need for transparency in political contributions, reinforcing the democratic process by ensuring that voters have access to essential information for making informed decisions.
