It is not necessary for the public to have information related to Electoral Bonds received by political parties

The Union Government’s statement in the Supreme Court

New Delhi – An appeal was made in the Supreme Court against the system of receiving  donations by political parties through Electoral Bonds. Before the hearing of this could start, the Advocate General of the Government of India R Vekataramani filed a reply on 30th October in the Court. Access to information about donations to political parties is not a fundamental right of citizens. Although it is a fact that the public has no access to information about the donations, Venkataramani argued in the Court that the system of Electoral Bond could not be done away with. A 5-judge Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice Dhananjay Chandrachud of the Supreme Court is hearing the matter from 31st October.

‘Association for Democratic Forums’ has filed an appeal challenging the system of Electoral Bond; Advocate Prashant Bhushan is fighting the case on its behalf. Prashant Bhushan argued that the ruling parties are funded by big establishments. The Government makes rules, keeping in mind the interests of those establishments. Those establishments then benefit financially, hence the system should be done away with.

What is this system of Electoral Bond ?

Political parties can appeal to people through this system to raise funds. These Electoral Bonds can be purchased in values from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1 crore. This arrangement has been made only in some branches of the State Bank of India. From where the donations came, is kept a secret even from the political parties. The BJP Government implemented this system by passing a law in 2018.