ADR files contempt plea against SBI for failing to disclose data in electoral bonds case

Guwahati: The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), the lead petitioner in the electoral bonds case, has reportedly filed a contempt petition against the State Bank of India (SBI) in the Supreme Court.

This action comes after the SBI failed to meet the court-mandated deadline of March 6 to disclose data on electoral bonds.

The ADR's plea alleges that the SBI, despite having the data available, violated the Supreme Court's directive to disclose information on bond purchases and redemptions. They have requested the court to compel the SBI to share the data immediately.

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The data shared by the ADR covers the period from March 2018 to January 2024. This reportedly reveals that the total electoral bonds sold were worth Rs 28,030 crore. Of these, the BJP owned a significant amount.

The SBI, facing the contempt petition, has filed a separate plea seeking an extension of time till June 30 to provide the requested data. This plea is likely to be heard by the Supreme Court on March 11.

The ADR, in its contempt petition, claimed that the SBI's last-minute request for an extension is a deliberate attempt to delay disclosing donor details before the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. They argued that this move aims to stifle voters' right to information.

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The ADR further argued that the unique serial numbers associated with each bond make them easily traceable. They find it "inconceivable" that the SBI, with its vast workforce, cannot locate and share the data within the three weeks initially stipulated by the court.

The petition accused the SBI of "wilful and deliberate disobedience" of the court order, calling their application "malafide" and demonstrating a defiance of the court's judgment.

They also criticize the SBI's approach as "reprehensible" for attempting to suppress the public's right to know and hold political parties accountable.