The Supreme Court addressed a case on Monday concerning the disclosure of “unique serial numbers” of electoral bonds by the State Bank of India (SBI). These electoral bonds, issued under the now-defunct 2018 Electoral Bond scheme, are individually marked with distinct serial numbers, which could facilitate tracking their issuance, redemption, and identifying the purchaser.
Expressing dissatisfaction, the Supreme Court rebuked the State Bank of India (SBI) on Friday for withholding the unique serial numbers associated with each electoral bond (EB) while furnishing information to the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding bond recipients and contributors for public disclosure.
The Supreme Court of India asserted that the State Bank of India (SBI) cannot be selective in disclosing information related to electoral bonds. It directed the bank to provide complete details of the bond numbers to the Election Commission by March 21. Additionally, the apex court mandated the bank’s chairman to submit a compliance affidavit by the same date.
“The Election Commission shall upload the details forthwith upon receipt of information from the SBI,” Further stated the SC.