Ensuring free and fair elections, democratic governance, and limiting quid pro quo demands political funding regulations that go beyond the age-old methods.
CJI-led bench disagrees with Centre’s argument that it is justified to infringe Right to Information of voters for larger purpose of curbing black money in electoral financing.
The scheme, notified by the government in 2018, was pitched as an alternative to cash donations made to political parties as part of efforts to bring in transparency in political funding.
Bonds worth more than Rs 1,500 cr were sold in 2021. Figure was over Rs 5,000 cr in 2019, when general elections were held. No party-wise figures collated, says finance ministry.
The scheme has been challenged on the ground that it legalises anonymous funding of political parties. But Centre says it’s meant to eradicate black money.
An ADR report says parties didn't provide PAN details of donors for Rs 438.96 crore over the past 5 years, in violation of a 2013 Supreme Court ruling.
The Supreme Court has refused to put a stay on electoral bonds and asked the political parties to submit details of funds received through bonds to EC by 30 May.
According to government reply in Lok Sabha, the pilot phase of PMIS is being used to test concepts, strategies and systems before a full-scale implementation of the scheme.
Order for 87 MALE drones will be split between 2 Indian firms in 64:36 ratio to ensure there are 2 independent manufacturing lines with at least 60% indigenous components.
The India-South Africa series-defining fact is the catastrophic decline of Indian red ball cricket where a visiting team can mock us with the 'grovel' word.
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