September 28, 2024: In a significant legal development, a Bengaluru court has ordered the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman concerning allegations of extortion linked to the now-defunct electoral bonds scheme. The complaint was filed by Adarsh Iyer, a member of the Janaadhikara Sangharsha Sanghatane, who accused Sitharaman and others of misconduct in relation to the controversial funding mechanism.

The Special Court for People's Representatives has instructed local police to formally register the FIR. This comes in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling earlier this year, which declared the electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional, citing violations of citizens' right to information. Originally introduced by the Central Government in 2018, the scheme was intended to replace cash donations to political parties and promote transparency in political funding.

In response to the court's decision, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has called for Sitharaman's resignation, demanding a comprehensive report on the allegations within three months. The situation has intensified political tensions, as the opposition parties seek accountability for what they describe as a misuse of power.