SC To Hear Pleas Challenging Electoral Bonds on October 31

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday observed that a five-judge constitution bench will adjudicate the pleas challenging the validity of the electoral bond scheme for political funding of parties for an authoritative pronouncement.

The electoral bond scheme, which was notified by the government on January 2, 2018, was pitched as an alternative to cash donations made to political parties as part of efforts to bring in transparency in political funding.

A bench headed by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, also comprising justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, which had said that as many as four PILs on the issue will be accorded final hearing on October 31 and November 1 by a three-judge bench, on Monday observed that now they will be decided by a five-judge bench on the dates fixed earlier.

In view of the importance of the issue raised, and with regard to Article 145(4) (relating to rules for regulating procedure of SC) of the Constitution of India, the matter be placed before a bench of at least five judges, the court said.

According to the provisions of the scheme, electoral bonds may be purchased by a person who is a citizen of India or entity incorporated or established in India. An individual can buy electoral bonds, either singly or jointly with other individuals.