New Delhi: The Supreme Court has questioned the State Bank of India (SBI) over its request for an extension to furnish details regarding the now-defunct electoral bonds scheme, highlighting a 26-day delay in the process.What is the case all aboutIn response to SBIs plea for more time to reveal the details, the Supreme Court posed probing inquiries to the bank, questioning its actions during the 26-day period. The court had previously invalidated the electoral bonds scheme in a significant ruling on February 15. It directed the Election Commission of India to publicize donation details by March 13.Opposition from ADRThe Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), one of the petitioners challenging the electoral bonds scheme, has opposed SBIs request for an extension. ADR alleges that the last-minute application by SBI aims to withhold details until after the impending Lok Sabha elections.SBIs responseSenior Advocate Harish Salve, representing SBI, explained the challenges faced by the bank in complying with the courts order. He stated that SBI stored information about the electoral bonds scheme outside its core banking system, requiring time to collate and organize the data. Salve emphasized the banks commitment to confidentiality, which contributed to the complexity of the process.Courts directiveChief Justice of India DY Chandrachud emphasized the importance of transparency and urged SBI to expedite the disclosure process. He noted that the banks delay in providing information was concerning, especially considering the gravity of the matter.Challenges aheadSalve outlined the meticulous nature of the task, highlighting the need for accuracy to avoid legal repercussions. Despite the banks efforts, the Chief Justice expressed dismay over a senior SBI officials affidavit seeking modifications to the courts judgment, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.The Supreme Courts scrutiny of SBIs handling of the electoral bonds issue underscores the significance of transparency and accountability in electoral processes. As the legal proceedings unfold, stakeholders await further developments regarding the disclosure of crucial information.
