SC Cracks Down On Distribution Of Freebies During Polls; Seeks Replies from Centre, States And ECI

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has sent a notice to the Central Government, Madhya Pradesh Government, Rajasthan Government and Election Commission of India on a PIL that alleges the misuse of public money for distributing cash and other freebies. The Centre, States and poll panel were asked by a bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Mishra to reply within four weeks. The top court was considering a PIL filed by Bhattulal Jain, a social worker, and instructed that it be linked with a pending plea on the matter.

The PIL demanded comprehensive rules to prevent political parties from giving cash and other freebies at the cost of taxpayers. The petition demanded directions that States be instructed not to abuse consolidated fund or grant for public purposes, at the brink of elections. The petition also claimed that such pre-election pledges made by political parties were “squandering taxpayers’ money”.

It also requested the top court to instruct and declare that the promise/ distribution of unreasonable freebies from the public fund before the election to attract voters is similar to bribery and undue influence.

The counsel said to the bench that, “A distinction has to be made between what is public interest and what is not. Giving cash - nothing is more outrageous than allowing the government to give cash. These things start six months before elections.”

He said that the tax-paying citizens of this country have to bear the burden. CJI said, “All sorts of promises are made before elections and we cannot regulate this.” The plea stated, “No government can announce free electricity, free water, free distribution or loan waiver without the consent of the legislative assembly, regardless of which government is in power. Since the money belongs to our taxpayers, the taxpayers should have the authority to oversee its use.”

It also said, “Political parties continue to charm the public by offering freebies for votes. Whatever projects are declared, the government should first present their plan and get approval from the legislative assembly. This should also apply to the salaries of MPs and MLAs and other non-legislative benefits received by them.”