Economy losing money, freebies distribution a ‘serious issue’: Supreme Court
The Supreme Court Thursday observed that promising and distribution of freebies by political parties during poll season is “a serious issue” because the economy is losing money because of this, Bar and Bench reported.
The apex court was hearing a PIL filed by laywer Ashwini Upadhyay, seeking a ban on political parties promising ‘freebies’ to lure voters within the run-up to elections. The plea asked for steps to be taken to manage poll manifesto and make political parties in command of promises made therein.
“Nobody says it's not a difficulty. it's a heavy issue. those that have gotten what they need and ours may be a state. Some may say that they're paying taxes and it's to be used for developmental processes. So it is a serious issue. So each side must be heard by committee,” judge of India NV Ramana was quoted as saying by the Bar and Bench.
The CJI also noted that India was a rustic “where there's poverty and also the central government also has plans to feed hungry” and said that the economy was losing money which “people’s welfare should be balanced.”
The court will next hear the plea on August 17.
Earlier, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) opposed the plea and said that “schemes for socioeconomic welfare of deserving and disadvantaged masses can't be described as ‘freebies’”. The party also accused the petitioner — who it said has “strong links” to BJP — of “furthering a selected political agenda”.
