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  • India’s Supreme Court has made a significant decision regarding the country’s election funding system.
  • The system in question, known as Electoral Bonds, was introduced in 2017 and allowed individuals and companies to make unlimited and anonymous donations to political parties.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been the largest beneficiary of this system since its implementation.

Court Decision:

  • The Supreme Court of India declared the Electoral Bonds system “unconstitutional” and scrapped it entirely.
  • The decision came as a result of challenges filed by members of the opposition and a civil society group.
  • Critics argued that the system obstructed the public’s right to transparency and knowledge regarding political party funding, as donations remained anonymous.

Impact on Political Landscape:

  • The ruling is perceived as a setback for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has benefited significantly from the Electoral Bonds system.
  • With the system now abolished, political parties will need to explore alternative avenues for funding their election campaigns.
  • The decision is expected to have broader implications for political financing and transparency in India’s electoral process.

Public Reaction:

  • The Supreme Court’s decision has garnered attention and sparked discussions among the public and political observers.
  • Many view the ruling as a step towards greater transparency and accountability in Indian politics.
  • However, there may also be concerns about the practical implications and challenges associated with transitioning to a new funding system.

Next Steps:

  • Following the court’s decision, political parties and government officials may need to devise alternative mechanisms for election funding.
  • There could be further legal and legislative developments as stakeholders respond to the ruling and seek to address the implications for India’s electoral process.

Conclusion: The Supreme Court’s decision to strike down India’s Electoral Bonds system represents a significant development in the country’s electoral landscape. As India navigates the aftermath of this ruling, there will likely be efforts to reform election financing practices and enhance transparency in political funding.