Sat Sep 28 16:58:33 UTC 2024: ## Bengaluru Court Orders FIR Against Finance Minister Sitharaman Over Electoral Bonds Scheme
**Bengaluru, September 28, 2024:** A Bengaluru court has ordered the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, accusing her of extortion related to the now-defunct electoral bonds scheme.
The complaint was filed by Adarsh Iyer, a member of the Janaadhikara Sangharsha Sanghatane, who alleged misconduct by Sitharaman and others in relation to the controversial funding mechanism. The Special Court for People’s Representatives directed local police to register the FIR.
This development follows a Supreme Court ruling earlier this year declaring the electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional, citing violations of citizens’ right to information. Introduced in 2018, the scheme aimed to replace cash donations to political parties and promote transparency.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has called for Sitharaman’s resignation, demanding a report on the allegations within three months. The opposition parties have intensified pressure, accusing the government of misuse of power.
The court’s decision has sparked political tensions, with the opposition seeking accountability over the alleged misuse of the electoral bonds scheme.
First Piper 