MANDI (Munish Sood)
The Supreme Court has expressed strong disapproval of the promises of freebies by political parties during election campaigns.
A Supreme Court bench, comprising Justice BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih, emphasised that such practices could lead to a segment of the population becoming overly dependent on state provisions, thereby diminishing their motivation to work.
“Providing freebies leads to worklessness among people. There should be an attempt to integrate homeless persons into mainstream society so that they’re able to contribute and work,” the top court observed during a hearing concerning the right to shelter for urban homeless individuals.
Ple over shelter to homeless in urban areas
The court was deliberating on a petition advocating for the provision of shelters to homeless individuals in urban areas.
The petition highlighted the dire conditions faced by the homeless, especially during extreme weather conditions and urged the government to take immediate action to provide adequate shelter facilities.
The Bench’s remarks underscore a broader concern about the culture of distributing freebies in exchange for votes.
People just not willing to work, says Supreme Court
Justice Gavai noted, “By not making these people part of mainstream society, are we not creating a class of parasites? Because of freebies, when elections are declared… people are not willing to work. They are getting free rations.”
This observation aligns with ongoing legal challenges against the practice of offering freebies during election campaigns. A petition filed by advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay argues that such promises amount to bribery and undue influence under the Indian Penal Code and violate constitutional provisions.
The Supreme Court is currently examining these challenges, with potential implications for how political parties conduct their campaigns. 
Economists have long debated the fiscal responsibility of election freebies. While some argue that certain subsidies are essential for social welfare, others caution that unchecked distribution can lead to significant economic burdens. A report by the Reserve Bank of India highlighted concerns that excessive spending on freebies could lead to fiscal imbalances, especially in states already facing financial constraints.
