SBI refuses to disclose electoral bonds data despite public availability
The State Bank of India (SBI) has refused to disclose details about the electoral bonds it provided to the Election Commission of India (ECI). The bank invoked the Right to Information (RTI) Act, stating that this information is personal and held in a fiduciary capacity. This response was given to RTI activist Commodore (Retired) Lokesh Batra, who had requested full disclosure of electoral bonds data in digital format.
Why does this story matter?
Deeming the electoral bonds scheme "unconstitutional and manifestly arbitrary," the Supreme Court directed the SBI on February 15 to provide the ECI with complete information regarding bonds acquired since April 12, 2019. The data was later to be uploaded to the ECI website. Eventually, the SBI submitted all details relating to the electoral bonds to the ECI, including the unique numbers of the bonds, on March 21.
SBI's justification for withholding electoral bonds details
On March 13, RTI activist Batra approached the SBI, seeking the complete data of the electoral bonds in digital form, as submitted to the ECI per the Supreme Court's ruling. The bank, however, denied the request, citing two exemption clauses given under the RTI Act. The bank cited section 8(1)(e), which pertains to records held in a fiduciary capacity, and section 8(1)(j), allowing the withholding of personal information.
RTI activist's reaction to SBI's non-disclosure
"Information sought by you contains details of purchasers and political parties and hence, cannot be disclosed as it is held in a fiduciary capacity disclosure," read SBI's response. Batra also sought information on the expenses paid by the SBI to senior counsel Harish Salve to defend its case against the disclosure of electoral bond documents, which was denied. The bank stated that the records are held in a fiduciary capacity, and the information is personal in nature.
22,217 electoral bonds purchased between April 1, 2019-February 15
Batra expressed disbelief at the response, saying the SBI denied the information that is already on the EC's website. According to the SBI, a total of 22,217 electoral bonds of varying denominations were purchased by the donors between April 1, 2019 and February 15, this year. Of these, 22,030 were redeemed by political parties. The data received from SBI can be accessed at: https://www.eci.gov.in/candidate-politicalparty.
