Electoral bonds: What we know so far, what we will know soon – and what we may never know

The floodgates have opened. After six years of secrecy surrounding who gave money to political parties through electoral bonds, information has finally started to come out on the orders of the Supreme Court of India.

However, the information is still partial – and confusing.

The Election Commission released one set of data on March 14, another on March 17 – and more is expected to come before March 21.

Here is an explainer to help you navigate this big, developing story that could have far reaching implications in India. We start with some important background.