In a recent development during the Supreme Court’s proceedings on the electoral bonds case, Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud issued a stern rebuke to a lawyer, urging him not to raise his voice. The incident occurred during a hearing conducted by a five-judge Constitution bench, comprising CJI Chandrachud and Justices Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, JB Pardiwala, and Manoj Misra, regarding petitions concerning the scrapped electoral bonds scheme.
Mathews Nedumpara : Entire judgment is delivered behind the back of the citizens.
CJI Chandrachud : "Don't shout at me. You are in the court."
WE ARE NOT HEARING YOU.
If you want to move an application, file an application.#ElectoralBondsCase #SupremeCourtofIndia pic.twitter.com/AHqpRhhb5S
— Govind Pratap Singh | GPS (@govindprataps12) March 18, 2024
In a video that went viral, CJI Chandrachud can be seen admonishing advocate Mathews Nedumpara, reminding him of courtroom decorum. “Don’t shout at me! This is not a Hyde Park corner meeting; you are in the court,” the CJI asserted. He emphasized the proper procedure for filing applications and requested the lawyer to adhere to courtroom etiquette.
The advocate, while expressing his viewpoint, argued that the judgment on electoral bonds was made without citizens’ knowledge, contending that it was a policy matter not subject to judicial intervention. Despite repeated requests from the CJI to pause and listen, the advocate persisted, prompting Justice Gavai to intervene, warning of potential contempt proceedings.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court directed the State Bank of India (SBI) to disclose comprehensive details, including the unique alphanumeric numbers corresponding to each electoral bond, to the Election Commission of India (ECI). The court mandated SBI’s Chairman to submit a compliance affidavit by March 21, 5 pm. Additionally, it instructed the ECI to promptly upload the disclosed information on its website.
The court’s decision aligns with its previous ruling on February 15, which required SBI to divulge various details, such as purchase/redemption dates, purchaser/recipient names, and bond denominations. This move underscores the judiciary’s commitment to transparency and accountability in electoral financing.
Recent data released by the Election Commission of India revealed significant transactions through the electoral bonds scheme, with the BJP encashing ₹6,060 crore over five years. A total of 1,260 entities purchased 22,217 bonds worth ₹12,155.51 crore between 2019 and 2024. Notably, 23 political parties redeemed these bonds, with Future Gaming and Hotel Services and Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd emerging as top donors to political parties.
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