ADR contempt petition against SBI’s extension plea in electoral bonds case

Bhushan said the SBI’s plea is likely to be listed on Monday, 11 March and the contempt application should also be heard together.

“Please send an e-mail. I will pass the order,” the CJI said.

The petition, according to a LiveLaw report, said: “SBI has wilfully and deliberately disobeyed the judgment passed by the Constitution Bench of this Hon’ble Court, and the same not only negates the right to information of the citizens but also wilfully undermines the authority of this Hon’ble Court”.

This move by ADR comes amidst the ongoing battle for transparency in political funding, particularly concerning the contentious electoral bonds scheme.

Bhushan mentioned the contempt petition before Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud for urgent listing. Bhushan said that the SBI has filed an application seeking an extension till 30 June to furnish the information, which will likely be listed on Monday. He requested that the contempt petition be listed along with the SBI’s application.

CJI told Bhushan to send an email request with the details of the application number.

The State Bank of India filed an application in the Supreme Court seeking an extension till June 30, 2024, to furnish information regarding electoral bonds to the Election Commission of India.

As per the judgment delivered by a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court on 15 February, the SBI is required to furnish the information to ECI by 6 March.

Related: Supreme Court strikes down electoral bonds as ‘unconstitutional’

(With PTI inputs)