17th November 2023 (11 Topics)
1
Nov
2
Nov
3
Nov
4
Nov
6
Nov
7
Nov
8
Nov
9
Nov
10
Nov
11
Nov
13
Nov
14
Nov
15
Nov
16
Nov
17
Nov
18
Nov
20
Nov
21
Nov
22
Nov
23
Nov
24
Nov
25
Nov
27
Nov
28
Nov
29
Nov
30
Nov
Challenging the Electoral Bond Scheme
Context:
Citizens must demand a fair election system, challenging the constitutionality of electoral bonds for a level-playing field in future elections.
Challenges in Political Funding:
- Secrecy Surrounding Funds: Political parties resist public scrutiny of funds, relying on big businesses for substantial financial support.
- Legislative Maneuvers: The government's introduction of Electoral Trusts and later, Electoral Bond Scheme raises concerns over transparency and corporate influence.
- Citizen Empowerment through PIL: Civil society's use of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeks voter empowerment and transparency in political funding.
Constitutional Challenge to Electoral Bonds:
- Opaque Corporate Donations: Amendments in 2016 and 2017 obscured corporate donors' identities, eroding transparency and risking corruption in political funding.
- Dominance of Electoral Bonds: Electoral bonds, constituting 55.9% of political donations, raise concerns of influence, with BJP receiving the majority.
- Legal Challenge and Supreme Court: The PIL challenging electoral bonds' constitutionality awaits resolution; Supreme Court scrutiny offers hope for a level-playing field.
Anonymity Debate and Future Elections:
- Donor Anonymity Controversy: Government emphasizes donor anonymity, hindering transparency and solicitor general argues for privacy rights.
- Need for Corporate Transparency: Over 94% of bonds sold are in crore denominations; individual donors' particulars are disclosed, raising questions on corporate donor protection.
- Hope for Transparent Elections: The Constitution Bench's speedy hearing on electoral bonds raises optimism for fair elections and enhanced transparency.
You must be logged in to get greater insights. click here to login
Courses
Study
Notes
Home
Resources
More
