Jayna Kothari, CLPR Executive Director gives her two cents on the amendments made to the Representation of the People Act 1951 which provide complete anonymity to political donors and the need for disclosure of political donations for preserving citizens’ trust in parties and politicians, maintaining the rule of law and removing corruption in the electoral and political process.
Excerpt from the Article:
With the hearings in the Supreme Court on the electoral bonds challenge having concluded, it is a good time to discuss how important the outcome of this challenge will be to democracy and rule of law in India. Political parties in any country play an indispensable role in the democratic process. They form the government and have the responsibility under our constitution of holding the government to account. It is thus essential that the parties are adequately funded in a manner which enjoys public confidence.
The amendments made to the Representation of the People Act 1951 and other laws which provide for electoral bonds, provide complete anonymity to political donors. The requirement all over the world on this issue on the other hand has been the diametrical opposite — requirement of full disclosure on donations to political parties, either by individuals or corporations.