Justice Sanjiv Khanna is set to become the 51st Chief Justice of India on November 11, succeeding CJI D.Y. Chandrachud. Known for pivotal rulings on Article 370 and electoral bonds, Khanna’s appointment marks a significant transition in the Supreme Court’s leadership, reinforcing accountability and transparency in India’s judicial system.
The Supreme Court rejected the review petition challenging its February 15 judgment by which the electoral bonds scheme was struck down. A Constitution Bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud and Justices Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra dismissed the review petition filed by advocate Mathews J Nedumpara. “Application for listing the review petitions in open Court is dismissed. Delay condoned. Having perused the review petitions, there is no error apparent on the face of the record. No case for review under Order XLVII Rule 1 of the Supreme Court Rules 2013. The review petitions are, therefore, dismissed,” the Court said.
The government has no plans to introduce a law for electoral bonds in political funding, nor is there a proposal to fund political parties through the Election Commission. The Law Minister confirmed this and stated that there are no ongoing considerations for implementing a political party funding system via the Election Commission. Despite the Supreme Court annulling the electoral bonds scheme, the government is not currently planning legislative action or alternative funding mechanisms through the Election Commission.
The State Bank of India refuses to disclose electoral bond SOPs, citing “commercial confidence” and intellectual property concerns. An advocate’s appeal for transparency has been denied, leading to escalation to the Central Information Commission. This reflects broader concerns about transparency in political funding, highlighting the tension between transparency advocates and institutions prioritizing confidentiality.
A petition filed today in the Supreme Court of India for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry into the recently invalidated electoral bonds scheme. Allegations include pay-for-play dynamics, potential influence on government contracts, and compromised investigative bodies. The petition stresses the need for impartial investigation supervised by a retired Supreme Court judge.
On electoral bonds, PM Modi Today (April 15th) said: “Due to electoral bonds you are getting the trail of the money. Which company gave it? How did they give it? Where did they give it? And that is why I say when they will think honestly, everyone will regret it (on the Supreme Court decision to scrap electoral bonds)”
The State Bank of India (SBI) refused to disclose legal fees paid to Senior Advocate Harish Salve in the Electoral Bond Case, citing RTI Act sections 8(1)(e) and (j). The refusal led to concerns about transparency and accountability in financial transactions linked to significant legal matters. Supreme Court’s Constitution Bench instructed SBI to reveal all details related to Electoral Bonds, including purchasers’ names and purchase dates, due to concerns about transparency and accountability.
K Kavitha, a leader of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi, is facing allegations from the CBI for pressuring Aurobindo Pharma’s promoter, Sharath Chandra Reddy, in the Delhi excise policy case. She allegedly demanded Rs.25 crore for Aam Aadmi Party in exchange for favorable treatment, leading to her remand to CBI custody until April 15. The case involves coercion, manipulation, and financial transactions.
Today, 9th April, The Delhi HC dismissed Arvind Kejriwal’s appeal against his ED arrest, citing evidence of his involvement in concealing proceeds of crime and utilizing them for political campaigns. The court addressed his arguments, including the reliability of statements and political motivations, emphasizing that the case should be evaluated based on legal grounds, not electoral timelines or political considerations.