Citing new revelations in the RTI replies on the non-transparent nature of electoral bonds, the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) filed an interim application in the Supreme Court on Friday, seeking a stay on the controversial electoral bonds scheme. The petition filed by noted lawyer Prashant Bhushan on behalf of the ADR said the RBI Governor had objected to the issue of electoral bonds and his objections were over ruled by Finance Ministry.
Seeking immediate stay on the issue of electoral bonds, the petition also pointed out that Election Commission objected to the floating of the bonds. Bhushan in his petition said that RTI replies clearly shows the role of Prime Minister's Office in issue of bonds during state assembly elections, violating the time schedule. The State Bank of India was forced to open "illegal window" to issue the bonds for the benefit of the ruling party BJP, he said.
The Petition also cited that apart from RBI, Election Commission, the Law Ministry also objected to the issue of electoral bonds. It said that this scheme was floated to benefit the ruling party BJP, citing the data showing 95% of the bonds went to the ruling party's coffers.
