AIBA Urges President Droupadi Murmu To Stop Enforcement Of Electoral Bonds Verdict

Senior Advocate Adish C Aggarwala, Chairman of All India Bar Association and President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, has written to President Droupadi Murmu urging a stop in implementing the recent Supreme Court ruling that invalidated the electoral bonds scheme.

In the letter, written on the All India Bar Association's letterhead where he holds the position of chairman, Aggarwala emphasised the importance of avoiding judgments that could disrupt the constitutional balance, undermine Parliament's authority, and cast doubt on the democratic process of political parties. 

He requested a presidential reference under Article 143 of the Constitution of India for a thorough reconsideration of the issue to ensure fairness for all stakeholders involved. Aggarwala argued that although the Court deemed the electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional, the contributions made under it were legal and valid at the time. 

He cautioned against disclosing the identities of corporate donors, citing potential repercussions such as harassment and a chilling effect on corporate donations, including foreign participation in India's democratic process. Invoking Article 143 of the Constitution, which allows for advisory jurisdiction, Aggarwala urged President Murmu to hold off on enforcing the Supreme Court's verdict and seek a presidential reference for a comprehensive review of the electoral bonds case to uphold justice for all parties concerned. He clarified that the letter represents the views of the All India Bar Association, not the Supreme Court Bar Association.

Source: Live Law