- Former finance secretary Subhash Chandra Garg comments on the delay in providing electoral bond information by the State Bank of India (SBI).
- SBI was asked by the Supreme Court to furnish electoral bond data to the Election Commission.
Garg's Assertions
- SBI can provide the required information within a day, as it is readily available.
- Criticizes SBI for either misunderstanding or deliberately complicating the simplicity of the required data.
- Highlights the Supreme Court's request for basic information: bond purchasers, dates, amounts, recipient parties, and encashment details, all of which should be easily accessible.
SBI's Response
- SBI claims to need extra time, extending the deadline to June 30, alleging a need to collate additional information not mandated by the Supreme Court.
Contempt of Court
- Garg suggests that SBI's failure to meet the March 6 deadline set by the Supreme Court may constitute contempt of court.
- The Association for Democratic Reforms has filed a contempt case against SBI in this regard.
Implications and Consequences
- Raises questions about the integrity and image of SBI.
- Discusses potential embarrassment for SBI management if found guilty of contempt.
- Considers the impact of a contempt ruling on SBI's reputation and credibility
Interview Highlights
- Garg reflects on whether this situation serves as a litmus test for SBI's integrity.
- Considers the potential embarrassment and consequences for SBI's management.
- Discusses the broader impact of a contempt ruling against SBI.