In a significant development, Attorney General R Venkataramani has informed the Supreme Court that citizens do not have the right to access information about the source of political funds, particularly in the context of the controversial electoral bond scheme. He defended the electoral bond scheme as contributing to clean money in political funding.
In a statement submitted to the apex court, Venkataramani emphasized that the right to information, as outlined in Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, does not extend to an all-encompassing right to know “anything and everything” without reasonable restrictions.
“The scheme in question extends the benefit of confidentiality to the contributor. It ensures and promotes clean money being contributed. It ensures abiding by tax obligations. Thus, it does not violate any existing right,” the Attorney General stated, supporting the electoral bond scheme.
Venkataramani further explained that the power of judicial review should focus on assessing state policies only when they infringe upon existing rights, not when they fail to provide for a possible right or expectation. He underlined the democratic significance of contributions to political parties, while cautioning against judicial intervention in the absence of a clear constitutional violation.
The Supreme Court is set to commence hearings on a batch of pleas challenging the validity of the electoral bond scheme on October 31. The scheme, introduced by the government in 2018, aimed to replace cash donations to political parties and increase transparency in political funding.
Under the provisions of the scheme, electoral bonds can be purchased by Indian citizens and entities incorporated or established in India. These bonds can be bought individually or jointly with other individuals. However, only political parties meeting specific criteria are eligible to receive electoral bonds.
The debate surrounding the electoral bond scheme has raised questions about political funding transparency and donor anonymity. The Supreme Court’s upcoming hearings will address these issues, offering insights into the electoral process’s integrity.
As the legal battle continues, the clash between the government’s emphasis on donor anonymity and the Election Commission’s call for transparency underscores the complex nature of political funding in India. The Supreme Court’s deliberations are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of political financing in the country.
Sources By Agencies