The Supreme Court on Thursday found that the promise and distribution of freebies by political parties during all ballot seasons is “a serious problem” as the financial system is losing money due to it, Bar and Bench reported.
The apex court was once hearing a PIL filed by lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay, in search of a ban on political parties promising ‘freebies’ to lure voters in the run-up to elections. The plea asked for steps to be taken to adjust the ballot manifesto and make political events responsible for guarantees made therein.
“Nobody says it’s not a problem anymore. This is a serious matter. Choose those who get it and our welfare state. Some may say that they are paying taxes and it should be used for the developmental process. So this is a serious problem. So both sides have to be heard through the committee,” Chief Justice of India NV Ramana was once quoted as declaring through the Bar and Bench.
The CJI additionally mentioned that India was once a country “where there is poverty and the central government also has plans to feed hungry” and said that the financial system was once losing money and that “people’s welfare has to be balanced.”
The court will subsequently hear the plea on August 17.
