Editorial with Sujit Nair: Citizens don't have right to know source of electoral bond funds: Centre

In this editorial, Mr. Sujit Nair discusses the recent statement made by Attorney General R Venkataramani regarding citizens' right to know the sources of funds for electoral bonds. Venkataramani asserts that the electoral bond scheme, aimed at funding political parties, promotes clean money and, therefore, citizens do not have the right to access this information under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. He emphasizes that there can't be an unrestricted right to access all information and that reasonable restrictions are necessary.

Venkataramani argues that the scheme maintains contributor confidentiality, ensures compliance with tax obligations, and does not violate any existing rights. He also suggests that judicial review should only be exercised when state actions infringe upon existing rights, rather than when they fail to provide for new rights or expectations.

He acknowledges the democratic importance of political party contributions but emphasizes that the court should not interfere in the absence of a clear constitutional violation. A constitutional bench of the Supreme Court is set to hear a batch of petitions challenging the validity of the electoral bond scheme starting on October 31.

The scheme, introduced by the government in 2018, aimed to replace cash donations to political parties with a more transparent system. It allows any Indian citizen or entity incorporated in India to purchase electoral bonds, which can be bought individually or jointly with others.

The Chief Justice DY Chandrachud-led bench is scheduled to hear four pleas, including those filed by Congress leader Jaya Thakur and the CPI(M). Only political parties meeting specific criteria are eligible to receive electoral bonds.

The Supreme Court had previously declined to grant an interim stay on the scheme in 2020, emphasizing the need for a thorough examination of the issues raised by the government and the Election Commission regarding political funding and transparency.

The government had advocated for donor anonymity, while the Election Commission had argued for revealing donor names to enhance transparency.

#CJIDYChandrachud #SupremeCourt #PMModi #SujitNair #Citizens #RightToInformation #Electoralbonds #funds #Centre #RightToKnow #HWNews #Elections #ElectionCommission

To Join Youtube Membership -    / @hwnewsenglish  

SUBSCRIBE to HW News English Here ► http://bit.ly/Subscribe-HWNews-English

Connect With Us On:
→ Facebook:   / hwnewsenglish  
→ Twitter:   / hwnewsenglish  
→ Instagram:   / hwnewsenglish  
→ Dailymotion : https://www.dailymotion.com/hwenglish

For More Videos Visit Here:
https://hwnews.in/