Electoral bonds remain, submit details by May 30: SC

The Supreme Court on Friday in an interim order refused to stay the Electoral bonds scheme of the government and put up the matter for final disposal later.

The court directed all political parties to furnish all the details regarding the bonds to the Election Commission in sealed envelope by May 30, clearly mentioning details of money received by them.

The court said this was an interim arrangement to not to tilt the balance in favour of one political party.

The court said the issues related to Electoral Bonds were weighty and would have tremendous bearing on the sanctity of election process. "Such weighty issues can't be addressed in a short hearing."

The bonds came into operations through amendments brought in through the Finance Act 2016-17.

The apex court passed the order on the legality of the bonds after completing hearing of arguments from the Centre and petitioners.

The petitioners have moved the court seeking either a stay on the scheme or a transparent alternative of funding of political parties.

--IANS

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