Understanding Electoral Bonds in India: Transparency or Ambiguity?
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Abstract
Electoral bonds in India have been a subject of considerable debate since their introduction. Most researchers claim that electoral bonds sell transparency in marketing campaign finance through formalizing donations and curbing the influence of black money. However, critics raise concerns about anonymity, potential misuse, and the erosion of democratic principles. This paper examines the electoral bond system, analysing its impact on transparency and accountability in the Indian electoral process. By exploring the underlying principles, legislative framework, and practical implications, it aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of whether electoral bonds serve as a tool for transparency or ambiguity in India's political landscape.
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References
Sridhar, Madabhushi. Transparency in Public Administration. New Delhi: Oxford University Press, 2020.
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Journal Articles:
Bose, Sumantra. "Electoral Bonds: A Critical Analysis of Transparency and Accountability." Journal of Indian Politics, vol. 12, no. 1, 2022, pp. 34-56.
Sharma, Arvind. "The Anonymity Conundrum: Electoral Bonds and Democratic Accountability." Indian Journal of Law and Governance, vol. 8, no. 3, 2021, pp. 112-129.
Kumar, Rajiv. "Political Funding and Legal Challenges in India." Journal of Legal Studies, vol. 10, no. 2, 2023, pp. 77-95.
Reports:
Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). Analysis of Electoral Bonds and Political Funding. ADR Report, 2022.
Transparency International India. Political Finance and Electoral Bonds: Impact on Indian Democracy. Transparency International Report, 2021.
Election Commission of India. Report on Political Funding and Electoral Bonds. ECI Report, 2022.
Websites:
“Electoral Bonds and Political Funding in India.” PRS Legislative Research. Accessed July 20, 2023. https://www.prsindia.org/
"Supreme Court Judgement on Electoral Bonds." Live Law. Accessed July 21, 2023. https://www.livelaw.in/
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Newspaper Articles:
Varma, Neha. "Supreme Court Declares Electoral Bonds Unconstitutional: Implications for Political Funding." The Hindu, April 12, 2024.
Singh, Anjali. "The Transparency Debate: Electoral Bonds Under Scrutiny." The Indian Express, March 30, 2024.
Patel, Karan. "Political Funding in India: The Role of Electoral Bonds." The Times of India, May 5, 2024.
Dissertations and Theses:
Menon, Ravi. "Electoral Bonds and Political Funding: An Analysis of Transparency and Accountability in India." PhD diss., Jawaharlal Nehru University, 2023.
Gupta, Meera. "The Impact of Electoral Bonds on Indian Democracy: A Legal Perspective." Master's thesis, National Law School of India University, 2022.