Introduction:

In the case of Association for Democratic Reforms & Anr. v. Union of India & Ors., the Supreme Court of India issued a groundbreaking ruling on the disclosure of electoral bond details. The bench, comprising Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, Justice BR Gavai, Justice JB Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Misra, addressed an application by the Election Commission seeking the return of sealed documents related to electoral bonds.

Arguments of Both Sides:

The Election Commission, represented by Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, emphasized the importance of returning the sealed documents to maintain confidentiality. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, on behalf of the State Bank of India (SBI), argued for notice to be issued to the bank, highlighting the need for their involvement in the proceedings.

Court’s Judgment:

Chief Justice Chandrachud clarified the necessity for the SBI to disclose electoral bond numbers and directed notice to be issued to the bank. The bench disposed of the Election Commission’s application and instructed the registrar general to digitize the data for transparency.