2024 (7) TMI 1166 - SC - Indian Laws

Application filed by the Election Commission of India seeking further directions regarding data submission - ECI did not retain a copy of the data which was collated by it since it was being placed before this Court in sealed custody - HELD THAT - The judgment of the Constitution Bench in ASSOCIATION FOR DEMOCRATIC REFORMS ANR. VERSUS UNION OF INDIA ORS. 2024 (2) TMI 812 - SUPREME COURT (LB) required the State Bank of India (SBI) to furnish to the ECI all details of the Electoral Bonds purchased, and, as the case may, redeemed by political parties, including the date of purchase/redemption, name of the purchaser and the denomination of the Electoral Bond purchased. It has been submitted that SBI has not disclosed the alpha-numeric numbers of the Electoral Bonds. The Registry is directed to issue notice to SBI, returnable on 18 March 2024. Additionally, it is also directed the presence of a Senior Officer of SBI who is responsible for the management and storage of details of Bonds purchased and redeemed on the next date of hearing.

Summary

The Supreme Court directed the Election Commission of India to return data filed before the Court for uploading on its website by a specified date. The Court also ordered the scanning and digitization of the data, with originals to be returned to the ECI. Additionally, notice was issued to the State Bank of India regarding disclosure of details of Electoral Bonds purchased and redeemed, with a senior officer of SBI required to be present at the next hearing.