'Aren't We Creating Class Of Parasites': Supreme Court's Big Remark On 'Freebies'

New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday came down heavily on parties announcing "freebies" in the run-up to elections. The Supreme Court said that such schemes often discourage people from working and participating in the development of nation.

The Supreme Court, deprecating the practice of announcing freebies prior to elections, said that people are not willing to work as they get free ration and money. A bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and Augustine George Masih made the observations while hearing a case related to night shelters.

"Unfortunately, because of these freebies... the people are not willing to work. They are getting free rations. They are getting amount without doing any work," Justice Gavai observed.

"We quite appreciate your concern for them but would it not be better to make them a part of the mainstream of society and permit them to contribute to the development of the nation," the bench said. "Aren't we creating a class of parasites," the bench asked.

Attorney General R Venkataramani told the bench that the Centre was in the process of finalising the urban poverty alleviation mission, which would address various issues, including the provision of shelter for the urban homeless. The bench asked the Attorney General to verify from the Centre as to within how much time the urban poverty alleviation mission would be made applicable.

The top court posted the matter for hearing after six weeks.

Earlier, Justice Gavai had made similar statements in a separate case. He had raised a strong concern over the growing trend of state governments offering election freebies, while neglecting the pressing issue of unpaid judges' salaries and pensions.

While hearing a plea from the All India Judges Association, which pointed out the growing concern over the insufficient salaries and inadequate retirement benefits provided to the country’s judiciary, the bench highlighted the contradictions between the allocation of funds for election promises and the financial neglect faced by the judicial system.

“When it comes to paying judges, states often cite financial constraints. However, during elections, we see announcements of freebies like the 'Ladki Bahin' initiative and similar financial promises made by political parties in Delhi, where assurances of paying Rs 2,100 or Rs 2,500 are made to win elections,” the bench said. The Ladki Bahin scheme was launched by Maharashtra’s ruling BJP-led Mahayuti coalition.

Before the recently concluded Delhi assembly elections, political parties were seen jumping on the bandwagon and making significant promises. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had introduced the 'Mukhya Mantri Mahila Samman Yojana,' ahead of the Delhi elections. Soon, Congress and BJP also made similar announcement in a bid to challenge AAP's promise.

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