The Supreme Court cannot adopt a hands-off approach by testing the electoral bond (EB) scheme on the restrictive parameters applicable to economic policy, justice Sanjiv Khanna said in his separate judgment that quashed the EB scheme on Thursday, adding that contributions to political parties quintessentially relate to the democratic polity, citizens' right to know and accountability in the democracy.
"To give the legislation the latitude of economic policy, we will be diluting the principle of free and fair elections. Clearly, the importance of the issue and the nexus between money and electoral democracy requires us to undertake an in-depth review...voters' right to know supersedes anonymity in political party funding," held the judge.
In his 74-page judgment, justice Khanna underlined that the right to know is paramount for free and fair elections and democracy because it is access to information that can materially shape the citizens' choice necessary for them to have a say in how their lives are affected.
As political parties are at the helm of the electoral process, including its finances, the judge said that the funding of political parties cannot be treated differently from that of the candidates who contest elections, and therefore, denying voters the right to know the details of funding of political parties would lead to a dichotomous situation.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
No legislative work as Parl deadlock persists
The first week of the winter session of Parliament saw the Lok Sabha sit for only 3% of its allotted time, with repeated disruptions related to the bribery charges levied by US prosecutors against the Adani Group, communal tension in Sambhal, and the recent violence in Manipur.
90 private members' bills set to be tabled
Over 90 private members' bills are set to be introduced in Parliament during the winter session, including key legislation to protect employees from artificial intelligence impacts and criminalise deepfakes.
Adani indictment 'legal matter' between pvt entities, US: MEA
India on Friday said the indictment of Indian tycoon Gautam Adani by US prosecutors is a \"legal matter\" involving private entities and individuals and the US Department of Justice, and the Indian side has not yet received any official request for cooperation.
Meitei group chief under NIA scanner
OF THE 8 CASES, NIA IS PROBING TWO AGAINST ARAMBAI TENGGOL LEADER KHUMAN
Oppn crushing the spirit of Constitution, says PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hit out at the Opposition for \"misleading\" the country and crushing \"the spirit of the Constitution\", even as he credited Bharatiya Janata Party workers for the unprecedented mandate in Odisha, Haryana and Maharashtra.
CANCEL TUNGSTEN MINING IN TN DISTT, STALIN URGES MODI
Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin on Friday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking the cancellation of rights granted by the Centre to a private firm to mine tungsten in Madurai district.
NO TREE-FELLING AT NIGHT IN DISTRICTS NEAR TAJ MAHAL: SC
The Supreme Court on Friday directed that no trees will be felled in the Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) between 6pm and 8am as it took up a \"shocking\" case of overnight felling of 454 trees in Mathura.
J&K SACKS 2 GOVT EMPLOYEES OVER 'TERROR LINKS'
The Jammu & Kashmir government on Friday terminated two government employees from service for their alleged involvement in anti-national activities and terror links, officials said.
Refusing to marry not abetment to suicide: SC
The Supreme Court on Friday ruled that a refusal to marry, even if preceded by a relationship or promises of marriage, cannot be construed as abetment to suicide under the penal law of the land.
Top court stays HC order restoring DA case against Panneerselvam, kin
The Supreme Court on Friday stayed the order of the Madras high court restoring corruption cases against former Tamil Nadu chief minister O Panneerselvam and his kin almost 12 years after he was discharged in the case in 2012.