Table of Contents

APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 29/03/2025

For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, practicing Daily Answer Writing is vital. This blog covers the most important Main question and its model Answer from the Assam Tribune today (29-03-2025).

✍️ Mains Question (GS Paper 2 – Polity & Governance)

“The Supreme Court’s verdict on Electoral Bonds is a watershed moment for electoral transparency in India. Critically examine the implications of the judgment on political funding, transparency, and democratic accountability in India.”

✅ Model Answer

🟢 Introduction:
When democracy thrives in the sunlight of transparency, opacity in political funding becomes a democratic anomaly. The Supreme Court’s recent judgment striking down the Electoral Bonds Scheme as unconstitutional is a decisive step in restoring public trust in India’s electoral process.

🧱 I. Background and Nature of Electoral Bonds

Introduced in 2017 via Finance Act (Money Bill route), the Electoral Bonds Scheme allowed anonymous donations to political parties through SBI.
Bonds could be purchased by individuals and corporates, and donor identity remained confidential.

⚖️ II. Key Observations of the Supreme Court Verdict (Feb 2024)

1. Violation of Right to Information (Article 19(1)(a))

The Court held that voters have a fundamental right to know about political funding.
Anonymity undermines public scrutiny.
Cited PUCL vs Union of India (2003) judgment.

2. Violation of Article 14 (Right to Equality)

Scheme disproportionately benefits ruling parties.
No level playing field among political parties.
Transparency available to government (via SBI) but not to citizens.

3. Unconstitutional Use of Money Bill Route

Finance Act introduced significant changes in Companies Act, RP Act, and IT Act through the Money Bill, bypassing the Rajya Sabha.

📉 III. Implications of the Verdict

A. Positive Implications

Area	Impact
🗳️ Electoral Transparency	Voter awareness and informed choices improve.
💰 Corporate Accountability	Companies must now disclose political donations in financial reports.
🏛️ Democratic Fairness	Level playing field restored for opposition parties.
🕵️ Reduction in Cronyism	Prevents backdoor deals and quid pro quo between corporates and politicians.

📌 Example: Over ₹6,000 crore out of ₹12,000 crore bonds went to ruling party (ADR Report 2023).

B. Challenges Post-Verdict

Alternative Anonymous Channels
- Rise in cash donations or foreign routes via shell NGOs possible.
Implementation Hurdles
- Monitoring real-time disclosures and enforcing accountability.
Resistance from Political Class
- Lack of political will to bring structural reforms in campaign finance.

📊 IV. Related Reports and Data

Report	Insight
ADR 2023	57% of total bonds went to one political party.
V-Dem 2024	India ranked as “electoral autocracy” partly due to opaque funding.
Assam Election Watch	Over ₹42 crore of political funds in Assam untraceable (2021).

🔄 V. Way Forward

1. Comprehensive Campaign Finance Law

Cap on donations, public funding for recognized parties.

2. Digital Disclosure Portal

Real-time tracking of donors and political expenditure.

3. Strengthening Institutions

Empower ECI with greater autonomy and punitive powers.

4. Voter Awareness Campaigns

Encourage citizens to demand transparency and accountability.

📌 Example: UK mandates public disclosure of all political donations above £7,500.

🔚 Conclusion

The SC’s verdict is not just a legal pronouncement, but a moral checkpoint in India’s democratic journey. Now, the baton is with Parliament and civil society to institutionalize transparency and safeguard the soul of our electoral democracy.

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