Electoral Bond Scheme, 2018
“Permitted unlimited anonymous corporate donations to political parties via SBI bearer bonds. SBI forced to disclose all bond purchase and encashment records.”
Instituted in 2018 by the Ministry of Finance / Election Commission of India to govern electoral governance & campaign finance. Aimed at addressing core governance challenges and structural priorities of its era.
Administered under Ministry of Finance / Election Commission of India through federal coordination, state-level departments, and executive oversight mechanisms.
Struck down unanimously by the Supreme Court of India (5-judge Bench) as unconstitutional, arbitrary, and violating Article 19(1)(a) Right to Information.
Reversion to transparent banking drafts, cheques, and registered Electoral Trusts
Official parliamentary records, ministry gazette notifications, and statutory review committee assessments concerning Electoral Bond Scheme, 2018.
What Should Be Retained, Redesigned, or Revived?
Status: Terminated / Struck Down. Replacement: Reversion to transparent banking drafts, cheques, and registered Electoral Trusts. Demonstrates the systemic lifecycle of public policy in India—highlighting how changes in state capacity, federal dynamics, and technological capability render legacy frameworks obsolete or require complete legislative overhaul.
Verified Administrative & Evaluation Sources
- Official Gazette of India, Ministry of Finance / Election Commission of India
- Parliamentary Standing Committee Reports (2024)
- Law Commission of India & Ministry Transition Notes