chief Magistrate Said, “Economy losing or wasting money is an issue and also, welfare measures for the poor… both have to be considered. Both have to be balanced. That’s why we started the debate. We want That an expert panel put forth its collective thinking and understanding on the issue and give a report which may be the basis for the court to take certain measures.
solicitor General Tushar Mehta Submitted to the Centre’s suggestion on the composition of the Expert Committee, which the apex court intends to set up to examine the impact of freebies on the general public, taxpayers and the economy. The court also wants the panel to differentiate between freebies and welfare schemes, which it considers necessary for the classes and categories of people in need of help.
“As far as welfare schemes are concerned, every government does (implements them) and should do so. Now this freebie culture, the distribution of some freebies, has risen to the level of art and sometimes some political parties are simply contested for free. If the understanding of any political class in our country is that the only way for the welfare of the people is to give free gifts, then it is a dangerous situation. We are leading the country towards disaster,” the SG said.
Indirectly targeting the election promise of “free electricity”, the SG said, “Please look at some stressed sectors. Many power generating companies and distribution companies, most of them government companies, are financially severely stressed. …till the legislature steps in, SC should give directions. Unless the court is aided by the considered view of the committee (which is to be set up), it may consider issuing certain directions Or in the larger national interest can determine the do’s and don’ts for political parties.The welfare scheme should be understood by every responsible government, but distributing everything for free and taking it to the level of art is not welfare.
Senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for petitioner Ashwini Upadhyay, said that every political party or candidate should be asked to declare the gift free of cost to them to explain their plan to reduce the debt of the state, the resources which Debt has to be addressed and the sources of revenue generation that enable them. distribute for free “Otherwise the registration of these parties should be cancelled.
when the CJI Raman Said that unless a candidate or party is elected and forms the government, they will not know about the country’s financial position and budgetary measures, senior advocate Vijay Hansaria provided the debt burden figures for each state.
“Ultimately, in a country of over a billion people, the impact and impact of free gifts on the economy and people needs to be studied and debated,” Justice Ramana said. Instruction cannot be given. We should not make any mistake in worrying about doing something.” SC posted the matter for further hearing on August 17, in which the CJI said, “Let me see if I can contribute something before my retirement.”
election commission lawyer Maninder Singh Said that the Supreme Court in its 2013 judgment had held that promises of free distribution of things were part of the Directive Principles and the court could not interfere with it. The CJI said, “Please look into the provisions of the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act so that we can understand what the Election Commission is for?”
watch Financial discipline necessary: Supreme Court on freebies