SC Directs SBI To Reveal Electoral Bond Alphanumeric Numbers, Urges Full Disclosure

The Supreme Court heard the State Bank of India's (SBI) response regarding the disclosure of alphanumeric numbers of electoral bonds purchased and redeemed after the April 2019 interim order. The court directed SBI to disclose all details and file a compliance affidavit by Thursday.

A five-judge bench, led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, emphasized that SBI should not be selective in its disclosure, reiterating that the bank had been instructed to disclose all bond details without awaiting further orders.

Senior advocate Harish Salve, representing SBI, assured the court that the bank would provide all necessary information and underscored its willingness to comply with the court's directives.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, highlighted the electoral bonds' purpose in curbing black money in politics. He expressed concerns about social media commentary on the judgment, describing it as a form of witch-hunting aimed at causing embarrassment.

In response, Chief Justice Chandrachud emphasized that the court's role is to enforce the rule of law and the Constitution, and they are prepared to handle social media commentary. He reiterated that the court's focus is on governance through the rule of law.

SBI has disclosed donor and beneficiary names in two tranches, revealing that the BJP encashed the largest sum between 2019 and 2024. The Trinamool Congress, Congress, and BRS followed in the list. However, SBI has not disclosed specific donor-recipient details, except for the DMK, which shared its donor contribution breakdown.