National Desk
5 April
Sandeep Dhand
Journalist & Research Analysist
The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a review petition challenging its earlier decision regarding the controversial Electoral Bonds scheme. The plea sought a reconsideration of the Court’s February 15, 2024 verdict, which had declared the 2018 Electoral Bonds Scheme unconstitutional and struck it down.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice J.B. Pardiwala rejected the review petition filed by Khem Singh Bhati. The bench stated during a hearing on March 26 that the review was dismissed as per signed orders. The Court also refused to allow an open court hearing for the petition, denying Bhati’s request.
The Electoral Bonds scheme was introduced by the BJP-led government on January 2, 2018. It was marketed as a tool to bring transparency to political funding by allowing individuals and organizations to donate to political parties anonymously through banking channels. However, critics argued that the scheme lacked transparency and favored ruling parties.
On February 15, 2024, a five-judge Constitution Bench led by then Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud struck down the scheme. Following the verdict, the State Bank of India, which was the authorized financial institution for the scheme, was directed to share data about electoral bond donors and recipient parties with the Election Commission. This data was later made public, revealing that political parties received over ₹16,518 crore through the scheme.
The Supreme Court had earlier dismissed a petition seeking to seize these funds. With the review plea now also dismissed, the Court has reaffirmed its stance on the matter. Any remaining related petitions will be dealt with separately.
This verdict is considered a significant step in reforming political funding and promoting transparency in India’s democratic process.