Following the Supreme Court's 2024 judgment striking down Electoral Bonds, which reform has been proposed to enhance transparency in political funding while protecting donor privacy for small contributions?
- Complete ban on corporate donations
- Threshold-based disclosure (e.g., disclose donations above ₹20,000)
- Anonymous donations through government-controlled fund
- No reforms needed; current system is adequate
Answer: Threshold-based disclosure (e.g., disclose donations above ₹20,000)
Post-Electoral Bonds judgment reforms debate: (a) Current law (Section 29B, R.P. Act): Donations above ₹20,000 must be disclosed to ECI, (b) Proposed enhancements: (i) Lower disclosure threshold for greater transparency, (ii) Real-time online disclosure portal, (iii) Stricter penalties for non-compliance, (iv) Safeguards for small donors (privacy protection), (c) Balance sought: Transparency (voters' right to know) vs privacy (donor safety, especially for small contributors), (d) Challenge: Preventing quid pro quo while encouraging political participation. Illustrates ongoing evolution of electoral integrity framework through judicial-legislative dialogue.