“SC verdict on electoral bonds: A misjudgment for Indian democracy”, Indian Express, February 17, 2024:
“In an era where transparency and accountability in political funding are more crucial than ever, the Supreme Court’s (SC’s) recent judgment declaring electoral bonds as ultra vires marks not just a setback but a colossal misjudgement that threatens to derail years of progress towards cleansing India’s political financing system.
Electoral bonds were introduced with a vision to revolutionise political funding by introducing an unprecedented level of transparency and accountability. By mandating that all political donations be made through formal banking channels, the government took a bold step towards dismantling the stronghold of black money in politics. This initiative aimed to ensure that every rupee contributed to the political sphere was accounted for, traceable and legal.
The anonymity provided by electoral bonds has been a point of contention, yet it is widely misunderstood. This feature was designed as a protective shield for donors, safeguarding them from potential backlash or victimisation for their political affiliations or support. In a democratic society, the freedom to support a political cause or party without fear of reprisal is fundamental……”
Read the full article at Indianexpress.com
