In a landmark move Supreme Court issued notices to Centre and Election Commission of India on freebies on Tuesday. Hearing a petition filed by a Bengaluru-based activist on the freebies promised during elections by political parties, apex court issued notices to Centre and EC seeking their response on the same.
A bench comprising of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, Justice Manoj Misra and Justice JB Pardiwala came up with decision to seek Centre and EC’s response on the matter of freebies by political parties. Bengaluru based activist Shashank Sreedhara has filed the petition.
It has become a common practice for all political parties to promise freebies during elections. While the morality of promising freebies is being debated, almost all the political parties are resorting to the practice.
“Promising freebies during polls is nothing but bribing voters. All political parties are unabashedly promising freebies. But it is unfortunate that Election Commission is not taking any steps. Freebies are not just unduely influencing voters but also putting a burden on exchequer,” complained the concerned petitioner raising his voice against freebies.
Besides Centre, several states like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and others have been promoting freebies, which have been eventually affecting exchequer adversely.
Dnr
