'Creates a uneven playing field': SC notice to Centre, EC on election freebies

As five states head to polls, the Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notices to the Election Commission of India and the Narendra Modi government seeking their response to a plea seeking a direction to seize the election symbol or de-register a political party that promises or distributes 'irrational freebies' from public funds before elections.

Noting that it was a serious issue and the budget for freebies goes beyond the regular budget, a bench comprising Chief Justice of India NV Ramana and Justices AS Bopanna and Hima Kohli observed that ‘even though it is not a corrupt practice but it creates a uneven playing field’.

The PIL filed by BJP leader and lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay cites the Aam Aadmi Party’s promise of Rs 1,000 per month to every woman aged 18, ahead of the Punjab polls. It also states examples like Shiromani Akali Dal and Congress to target the women voters.

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Justice Kohli remarked that the petitioner has been selective in naming the political parties in his petition. The CJI too noted that the petitioner has named only two parties in his affidavit.

Last week, the Supreme Court had said it would consider listing for hearing a plea seeking a direction to the EC to ensure that political parties publish details regarding criminal cases of candidates along with the reason for their selection on their websites.