Validity of Electoral Bonds Scheme: SC refers the matter to a five-judge Constitution bench, the matter to be heard next on October 31

Today, the Supreme Court (SC) referred a batch of petitions challenging the validity of the electoral bonds scheme for the political funding of parties to a five-judge Constitution bench. Early this morning, Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud pronounced, “In view of the importance of the issue raised, and with regard to Article 145(4) of the Constitution of India, the matter be placed before a bench of at least five judges. The matter will be retained on October 30, 2023.” On October 10, 2023, the SC bench including the CJI, Justice Manoj Misra, and Justice JB Pardiwala ordered, “Petitioner’s counsel and Attorney General have made preliminary submissions. Compilations have been filed. If further submissions are to be made, it is to be filed by Saturday. Soft copies are to be compiled by nodal counsel. The matter is to be listed for final hearing on October 31 and should there be a spill over it shall continue till November 01.”