Freebie Promises: In India, practically every well-known political party has pledged freebies prior to the election. Though the Supreme Court of India has scheduled the hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking a ban on these freebies for March 21, there may be a checkmate for these irrational freebies promises.
The PIL was initially lodged by Ashwini Upadhyay, who petitioned the Supreme Court to intervene in political parties’ practice of offering illogical freebies to entice voters. The contention is that parties are making indiscriminate promises of freebies, draining the state exchequer, and attempting to sway voters through potentially unlawful pledges.
The timing of this PIL is particularly significant as it coincides with the impending Lok Sabha elections, which are set to commence in just two months.
Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, have scheduled the hearing for today. If the PIL is upheld by the court, parties that make irrational freebie promises could face consequences such as freezing of their electoral symbols and cancellation of their election symbols. The main course of action would involve the court directing the Election Commission to issue a referendum to political parties, urging them to refrain from making such pre-election freebie promises.
Also Read: EC
As the election rapidly approaches, the Supreme Court’s decision on this case has captured everyone’s attention. We might obtain some degree of clarity following tomorrow’s hearing.