India's top court lifts veil on political funding: 5 things to know

Decision to strike down electoral bonds gives opposition ammunition before elections

20240216 india sc

In striking down electoral bonds, India's Supreme Court asked "whether the elected would truly be responsive to the electorate if companies which bring with them huge finances and engage in quid pro quo arrangements with parties are permitted to contribute unlimited amounts." © Reuters

KIRAN SHARMA, Nikkei staff writer

NEW DELHI -- India's Supreme Court has struck down as "unconstitutional" a contentious scheme known as electoral bonds, which allowed individuals and companies to make anonymous and unlimited contributions to political parties.

The landmark judgment comes just ahead of the general elections due in April and May. The system had been slammed by critics as advantageous to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which takes in the lion's share of political donations.

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