SBI can't be selective in disclosing all details: CJI

SBI should file an affidavit stating that you have not suppressed any information: CJI

We have taken a conscious decision that the cut-off date should be 12th April 2019: CJI

The Supreme Court has directed the State Bank of India (SBI) to release data pertaining to Electoral Bond numbers. This would aid in the matching of the donors and the recipients. “In the judgement, we had asked the SBI to disclose “all details”. That includes the Bond numbers as well. SBI can’t be selective in disclosing all details. Don’t wait for the orders of the Court. We bank on the fact that the Bank will be candid. SBI’s attitude seems to be “You tell us what to disclose, we will disclose”. That does not seem to be fair. We will say SBI shall disclose the bond numbers and also that you should file an affidavit stating that you have not suppressed any information,” CJI DY Chandrachud said during the hearing. The last date for filing the affidavit is March 21st. 

However a request pertaining to release of data pertaining to donors from March 2018 to April 2019 was rejected. “In our judgement, we have taken a conscious decision that the cut-off date should be the date of interim order (April 12, 2019). We took that date because it was our considered view that once that interim order was pronounced, everybody was put on notice. If we have to go back to an earlier date, it will become a review of the judgement. It will become a substantive modification of the judgement. It can’t be done in a Miscellaneous Application. We have to draw a line,” Chandrachud observed.