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Introduction The Supreme Court of India has raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of the “None of the Above” (NOTA) option in Indian elections, questioning whether it has achieved its intended democratic purpose. More than a decade after its introduction by judicial mandate, the Court observed that NOTA has hardly influenced political parties’ candidate selection practices , with electoral choices continuing to be driven by electability rather than ethical standards. The remarks were made during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy challenging the practice of uncontested elections, which allegedly deprive voters of the opportunity to exercise their right to choose, including the option of NOTA. This case raises critical constitutional and democratic questions about voter choice, electoral accountability, and the nature of democratic participation in India. Background: What is NOTA and Why Was It Introduced? The 2013 Supr...

Understanding Electoral Bonds: Constitutional Implications, Supreme Court Ruling, and the Future of Political Finance in India Electoral bonds are a financial instrument introduced by the Government of India in 2018 as a mechanism for individuals, companies, and entities to donate money to political parties. These bonds are similar to promissory notes that can be purchased from specified branches of authorized banks and then deposited into the accounts of political parties within a prescribed time frame. The identity of the donor is kept anonymous, and the political party can encash these bonds only through a designated bank account. Constitutional Provisions : There are no specific constitutional provisions regarding electoral bonds in the Constitution of India. However, the use of electoral bonds is subject to the constitutional framework governing political funding, freedom of speech, and transparency in the electoral process. The scheme operates within the ambit of various laws, in...