SC asks SBI why it didn't furnish unique numbers on EBs [Read Order]

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday took an exception to the SBI over its failure to furnish the unique alfa numeric numbers on Electoral Bonds in details furnished to the Election Commission for uploading it on website for public disclosure.

A five-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud questioned the State Bank of India, on being told that it had not given the details of the unique alpha-numeric number details on bonds. 

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal said the February 15 judgment made it clear that the SBI was told to provide all details like name of purchasers, dates of purchase and encashment.

The court issued notice to the SBI returnable on Monday.

Also Read -  SBI Provides Electoral Bonds Data to Election Commission in Digital Format

The unique alpha-numeric would disclose the links between donors and political parties with respect to the purchase and redemption of bonds.

Meanwhile, the court allowed the ECI's plea, and directed the SC's registry to return the documents in original and also in a digital format to enable the ECI to upload additional data on Electoral Bond on its website.

The court directed the Registar Judicial to ensure that the data filed by the ECI is scanned and digitised by 5 PM Saturday.

"Once this is complete, the originals shall be returned to the ECI. A copy of the scanned and digitised files shall also be made available to the ECI.  ECI shall then upload the data on its website," it said. 

The Election Commission had moved the top court seeking a direction for return of sealed cover boxes with respect to Electoral Bonds case furnished to the apex court in compliance to its interim orders. 

Also Read -  Electoral bonds case: SC dismisses SBI’s appeal for extension of deadline

[Read Order]