Electoral bond scheme declared "unconstitutional"

• The electoral bond scheme for political funding was declared "unconstitutional" by the Supreme Court.

• In a landmark judgment on February 15, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud said the plan was arbitrary and violated citizens' right to information.

• A five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court struck down the electoral bond scheme, which allowed anonymous donations to political parties.

• The electoral bond scheme, launched by the government on January 2, 2018, was seen as a solution to replace cash donations and increase transparency in political funding.

• The Supreme Court said that this scheme violates the right to information of the citizens, thereby affecting the freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.

• Chief Justice Chandrachud struck down the scheme introduced through the Finance Act, 2017, saying information about funding of political parties is necessary for effective exercise of voting choice.