SC to Hear Plea Challenging Section 13A of Income Tax Act Over Anonymous Cash Donations to Political Parties
The Supreme Court of India is set to hear a crucial petition challenging the constitutional validity of Section 13A of the Income Tax Act, which permits political parties to receive anonymous cash donations below ₹2,000. The upcoming judicial scrutiny highlights ongoing concerns surrounding electoral transparency, funding accountability, and the voter's right to information in the democratic process.
Challenging Section 13A and the Demand for Transparency
The public interest petition, filed by petitioner Khem Singh Bhati, targets sub-section (d) of Section 13A of the Income Tax Act, 1961, labeling the provision unconstitutional. The petition argues that allowing anonymous cash donations below the ₹2,000 threshold creates a shroud of opacity that undermines electoral integrity.
According to the legal challenge, the lack of transparency deprives citizens and voters of vital information regarding political donors and their underlying motives, thereby hindering informed voting decisions. The petition specifically urges the apex court to direct the Election Commission of India to mandate a strict no-cash-donation rule as a mandatory prerequisite for political party registration and election symbol allotment.
Supreme Court Bench and Previous Legal Scrutiny
As per the Supreme Court's cause list, a bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta is scheduled to hear the matter. The apex court had previously issued formal notices seeking comprehensive responses from the Central Government, the Election Commission of India, and other relevant authorities.
This legal challenge builds upon the momentum of previous landmark judicial interventions, notably the Supreme Court's historic 2024 ruling that struck down the controversial electoral bond scheme in pursuit of clean and transparent political funding. Legal experts note that the outcome of this hearing could significantly reshape political financing regulations across the country.
