Freebies and welfare different, must strike balance: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Thursday observed that giving freebies and social welfare are two different things and a balance has to be struck between the economy losing money and welfare measures.

CJI Ramana said freebie culture is a serious issue, but he will not encroach into the legislative domain. However, he asserted that freebies and social welfare are two different things and a balance has to be maintained between the economy losing money and welfare measures.

The court said those who are getting (the freebies), they want it. People are paying taxes and they may seek its use for developmental processes. Both sides have to be heard by committee, it added

A bench comprising CJI NV Ramana and Justice Krishna Murari stated that the idea to de-recognise political parties for making promises to give irrational freebies during the polls was “undemocratic”.

Adjourning the matter for August 17, the CJI sought suggestions from relevant stakeholders in the matter saying that there must be someone who can put their vision and thoughts before he August 26, when he demits the office.

The apex court was hearing a PIL by lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay, which opposes the practice of political parties promising freebies during elections, and seeks the Election Commission to invoke its powers to freeze their election symbols and cancel their registration.

Earlier, PM Modi in a dig at Opposition had used the term 'revdi' (freebie) culture for parties allegedly luring people in the garb of poll manifesto.

AAP national convenor Arvind Kerjiwal had hit back saying that it was sad to see his government's development schemes being labelled as 'revdis'.

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(With inputs from PTI)