The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) and the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), two prominent industrial bodies, have filed a petition in the Supreme Court of India challenging the release of unique identification numbers associated with electoral bonds.
This move has added a new dimension to the ongoing debate surrounding electoral bonds in the country.
The filing of the petition closely follows the State Bank of India's (SBI) compliance with a directive from the apex court to reveal details pertaining to the electoral bonds. However, today, Chief Justice DY Chandrachud reiterated the court's stance, highlighting that the judgment clearly mandates the disclosure of all relevant information.
Senior Lawyer Mukul Rohatgi Represented FICCI and ASSOCHAM
During a crucial Supreme Court hearing, senior lawyer Mukul Rohatgi, appeared on behalf of the FICCI and the ASSOCHAM. Rohatgi urged the court to defer the issue of granting numbers associated with electoral bonds, stating, "I have filed an application. Kindly defer the issue of grant of numbers."
However, Chief Justice of India (CJI) responded, "We have no such application on board."
In response to this exchange, another senior advocate, Salve, representing the SBI, assured the court of their willingness to provide all pertinent information. Salve asserted, "We will give every bit of information we have. SBI is not holding back any information."
Furthermore, Salve highlighted the distinction between disclosing electoral bond numbers to voters and responding to Public Interest Litigations (PILs) requesting investigations. He stated, "We will give the bond numbers. Voter knowing is one thing. But if there are PILs, saying investigate this and that, I don't think that is the intent of this Court's judgment."
What is Electoral Bond Unique Identification Numbers?
Electoral Bond Unique Identification Numbers are codes made up of letters and numbers found on each electoral bond. They are like important clues connecting the person who buys the bond (the donor) and the political party that gets the money (the recipient).
These special numbers are really important because they help make sure there are a clear link between who gives money and who gets it in politics.
