The Supreme Court of India has delegated the decision on listing a petition seeking a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into alleged quid pro quo arrangements between corporates and political parties through Electoral Bonds donations to the Chief Justice of India (CJI). Advocates representing the petitioners, NGOs Common Cause and the Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL), pressed for an early hearing, prompting the bench headed by Justice Sanjiv Khanna to reassure them that the matter is under the CJI’s consideration. The petition raises concerns over the anonymity of Electoral Bonds and calls for an independent investigation to uncover potential corruption and unlawful practices in political funding.
BulletsIn
- Supreme Court leaves decision on plea listing to CJI’s discretion.
- Petition filed by NGOs seeks SIT probe into Electoral Bonds.
- Allegations of quid pro quo arrangements between corporates and political parties.
- Petitioners call for investigation into funding sources of shell companies.
- Emphasis on recovery of proceeds of crime from political parties.
- Proposed SIT probe to be supervised by retired Supreme Court judge.
- Alleged scam involves crores of rupees, requires independent investigation.
- Data shows Electoral Bonds linked to quid pro quo arrangements.
- Supreme Court previously struck down anonymous Electoral Bonds scheme.
- Verdict mandates SBI to cease issuing Electoral Bonds immediately.
