Poll panel in Supreme Court backs committee to curb electoral freebies
2 years, 4 months ago

Poll panel in Supreme Court backs committee to curb electoral freebies

India Today  

The Election Commission of India on Wednesday came in support of instituting a committee as suggested by the Supreme Court to take a holistic view on how to curb the culture of freebies in elections. Filing the counter affidavit on a PIL by advocate Ashwani Upadhyay, the poll panel said, "Setting up any such expert body, having representation from a wide spectrum of the government and non-governmental bodies is a welcome step." However, the panel seeks not to be part of an expert body, proposed to decide the validity of the freebies in a PIL and said, "Being a constitutional body, its views during deliberation may pre-decide the issue and affect a level playing field." In its 12-page affidavit, the poll panel referred to the statement made by CJI NV Ramana that the election commission did not take a stand on the freebies issue and said, "That the comments made by the Supreme Court against the election commission have caused irreparable damage to the reputation of the institution built over the years.

Supreme Court Court Freebies Poll Panel  body  upadhyay  supreme  electoral  aap  court  panel  backs  commission  curb  poll  committee  election  society  freebies

History of this topic

'Important Matter': CJI DY Chandrachud Agrees To Hear Plea On Election Freebies
9 months ago

'Important Matter': CJI DY Chandrachud Agrees To Hear Plea On Election Freebies

Live Law  

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court bench led by CJI DY Chandrachud was requested to have an early hearing of the petition raising the issue of political parties promising electoral freebies. Senior Advocate Vijay Hansaria, appearing for petitioner Ashwini Upadhyay, requested an earlier listing of the pending matter of the distribution of freebies from public funds by Political Parties. There are …

Supreme Court begins hearing on ‘irrational freebies’ case
1 year, 1 month ago

Supreme Court begins hearing on ‘irrational freebies’ case

The Hindu  

The Supreme Court on Wednesday began hearing petitions seeking a judicial declaration that irrational freebies offered by political parties to lure voters during election time should be considered a “corrupt practice”. Amicus curiae, senior advocate Vijay Hansaria, submitted that the court has to decide whether “giving freebies would be a corrupt practice under Section 123 of the Representation of the …

Supreme Court Issues Notice On Plea To Direct Political Parties To Disclose Source Of Funds For Promises In Election Manifesto
2 years, 1 month ago

Supreme Court Issues Notice On Plea To Direct Political Parties To Disclose Source Of Funds For Promises In Election Manifesto

Live Law  

The Supreme Court on November 7 issued notice in a petition seeking to make a Financial Implication and estimated source of funds statements mandatory for every election manifesto released by political parties ahead of elections. Recently, amidst the debates relating to "freebies", the Election Commission of India proposed that the political parties should disclose the financial viability of their election …

Election Freebies | Supreme Court Directs Matter To Be Listed Before Three Judge Bench At The Earliest
2 years, 1 month ago

Election Freebies | Supreme Court Directs Matter To Be Listed Before Three Judge Bench At The Earliest

Live Law  

Supreme Court bench comprising CJI UU Lalit and Justice Bela M. Trivedi on Tuesday directed that the plea concerning freebies during election campaigns be listed before a three-judge bench. The development comes in a PIL filed by lawyer and former BJP Delhi Spokesperson Ashwini Upadhyay seeking directions to the Election Commission of India to not permit political parties to promise …

Freebies to allure voters, welfarism policy intervention: BJP in letter to EC
2 years, 1 month ago

Freebies to allure voters, welfarism policy intervention: BJP in letter to EC

Deccan Chronicle  

New Delhi: Making a distinction between freebies and welfarism, the BJP has suggested in a reply to the Election Commission that parties should place emphasis on voter empowerment and capacity building rather than increase the dependency of people, a party insider said. “The BJP has suggested that emphasis should be on empowering voters, increasing their capacity, imparting them skills to …

Freebies are deciding factor in AP polls; Opposition follows YSRC in freebies
2 years, 3 months ago

Freebies are deciding factor in AP polls; Opposition follows YSRC in freebies

Deccan Chronicle  

VIJAYAWADA: Freebies will be a deciding factor in elections in Andhra Pradesh. Chief Minister Jagan Reddy, banking on his government’s flawless welfare schemes implementation, started a negative campaign against Chandrababu Naidu by warning the people that these benefits would be stopped if the TD comes to power. The Navaratnalu welfare schemes are the main strengths of Jagan now, as he …

Polls in Andhra Pradesh to see fight over freebies
2 years, 3 months ago

Polls in Andhra Pradesh to see fight over freebies

Deccan Chronicle  

VIJAYAWADA: Freebies will be a deciding factor in elections in Andhra Pradesh. TD chief Chandrababu Naidu has announced that, if elected to power, he will provide more welfare aid to people than the present Jagan government. Chief Minister Jagan Reddy, banking on his government’s flawless welfare schemes implementation, started a negative campaign against Chandrababu Naidu by warning the people that …

Issue of political parties promising freebies 'serious', why can't Centre call for all-party meet, asks SC
2 years, 4 months ago

Issue of political parties promising freebies 'serious', why can't Centre call for all-party meet, asks SC

Firstpost  

The apex court said unless there is a unanimous decision among political parties that freebies are going to destroy the economy and needed to be stopped, nothing can happen New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday said there must be a “debate” on the “serious” issue relating to the practice of political parties promising freebies and asked why cannot the …

'Why can't Centre form committee, call for all-party meeting', says Supreme Court on PIL opposing freebies
2 years, 4 months ago

'Why can't Centre form committee, call for all-party meeting', says Supreme Court on PIL opposing freebies

India TV News  

Highlights The Supreme Court on Wednesday queried the Central government on freebies matter 'Why can't Govt of India constitute committee to study the impact of freebies': CJI NV Ramana to SG SG Tushar Mehta replied that Centre will help in every way and statistics connected with the issue SC on freebies : The Supreme Court on Wednesday queried the Central …

All Political Parties Are in Favour of Freebies, Says Supreme Court
2 years, 4 months ago

All Political Parties Are in Favour of Freebies, Says Supreme Court

News 18  

New Delhi: All political parties including BJP are in favour of freebies and due to this a judicial attempt has been made to deal with it, said the Supreme Court on Tuesday while deliberating with a PIL opposing promises of such handouts by the parties during polls. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said that nobody has an issue with the social …

All political parties on one side, everybody wants freebies: Supreme Court
2 years, 4 months ago

All political parties on one side, everybody wants freebies: Supreme Court

The Hindu  

During the hearing in the Supreme Court on a petition challenging “irrational freebies” offered by political parties, Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana, heading a three-judge Bench, observed on Tuesday that the parties were “all on one side and everybody wants freebies” to continue. The court’s intervention, especially a proposal to form an expert broad-based committee to look into the …

"Don't Think You're The Only Wise Party" : Supreme Court To DMK In "Freebies" Case
2 years, 4 months ago

"Don't Think You're The Only Wise Party" : Supreme Court To DMK In "Freebies" Case

Live Law  

While hearing the case relating to promise of "freebies" by political parties, the Supreme Court on Tuesday took a dim view of certain statements made by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam party.DMK, in an impleading petition filed before the Supreme Court, stated that welfare measures intended to uplift the marginalized persons cannot be termed as "freebies". While hearing the case relating …

From 'loan waivers' to 'direct transfers', KNOW how Election Commission of India defines 'freebies'
2 years, 4 months ago

From 'loan waivers' to 'direct transfers', KNOW how Election Commission of India defines 'freebies'

India TV News  

Highlights Large number of clauses related to freebies offered direct transfer as per EC analysis Election Commission in its report found that promises made in manifestos include several items The poll panel said such doles are aimed at targeted groups of the electorate An Election Commission analysis of manifestos of different parties contesting the 2014 general elections disclosed that a …

Should there be limits on ‘freebies’
2 years, 4 months ago

Should there be limits on ‘freebies’

The Hindu  

While hearing a petition demanding the de-recognition of political parties that promise “irrational freebies” to voters, the Supreme Court recently drew attention to the substantial fiscal cost of freebies. Also, even if people are sitting at the top of the income distribution pyramid, you could still see something that the petitioner describes as a “freebie” as a welfare measure. But …

Should there be limits on ‘freebies’? | The Hindu Parley podcast
2 years, 4 months ago

Should there be limits on ‘freebies’? | The Hindu Parley podcast

The Hindu  

While hearing a petition demanding the de-recognition of political parties that promise “irrational freebies” to voters, the Supreme Court recently drew attention to the substantial fiscal cost of freebies. The court noted that a legislation banning freebies is not advisable, but at the same time called for a balance between welfare measures and loss to the public exchequer. The Supreme …

Voters prefer to earn a dignified earning over freebies: Supreme Court
2 years, 4 months ago

Voters prefer to earn a dignified earning over freebies: Supreme Court

The Hindu  

Voters, if given a chance, will prefer to earn a dignified earning through welfare schemes such as MNREGA and create public assets in rural India. The court was hearing a petition to curb the practice of offering or distributing “irrational freebies” at the cost of public money, especially in debt-ridden States during the run-up to elections. ‘Don’t confuse freebies with …

"Freebies" Issue Getting Complicated, Are Promises For Free Education, Free Drinking Water "Freebies"? Supreme Court
2 years, 4 months ago

"Freebies" Issue Getting Complicated, Are Promises For Free Education, Free Drinking Water "Freebies"? Supreme Court

Live Law  

The Supreme Court on Wednesday, while considering a plea seeking directions to the Election Commission of India to not permit political parties to promise freebies during election campaigns, orally opined that the issues raised in the matter were getting increasingly complicated. While deliberating upon what constituted social welfare, the Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta stated that- "If our understanding …

Supreme Court adjourns hearing on 'freebies' promise by political parties during polls for August 22
2 years, 4 months ago

Supreme Court adjourns hearing on 'freebies' promise by political parties during polls for August 22

India TV News  

Highlights SC adjourned for Monday hearing of plea against promises by political parties to distribute freebies Supreme Court has asked the political parties to file their suggestion by Saturday The top court said that the concern is about spending public money in the right way Supreme Court on freebies : The Supreme Court adjourned for Monday the hearing of a …

I’ll bet you ₹15 lakh: Mahua Moitra’s jibe at Nirmala Sitharaman on freebies
2 years, 4 months ago

I’ll bet you ₹15 lakh: Mahua Moitra’s jibe at Nirmala Sitharaman on freebies

Live Mint  

Trinamool Lok Sabha MP Mahua Moitra took a jibe at Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in a tweet over freebies debate on Sunday by sharing a screenshot of a remark made by the latter. In an event on Saturday, the Finance Minister said that the Modi government aims to empower everyone through saturation of the existing welfare schemes as every …

How AAP's freebie spree is changing Gujarat poll narrative
2 years, 4 months ago

How AAP's freebie spree is changing Gujarat poll narrative

India Today  

From Prime Minister Narendra Modi to his Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, a battery of BJP leaders has spoken out against AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal’s “politics of freebies.” On Thursday, the Supreme Court said freebies are a serious issue because the economy is losing money due to them. But while the BJP, from its central leadership to leaders in Gujarat, is …

Centre proposes 11-member committee to look into freebies during polls
2 years, 4 months ago

Centre proposes 11-member committee to look into freebies during polls

India Today  

After terming the freebie culture by political parties as an ‘economic disaster’, the Centre on Thursday suggested the Supreme Court constitute an 11-member committee to look into the issue. The top court was hearing a PIL filed by lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay, which opposes the practice of political parties promising freebies during elections and seeks the Election Commission to invoke its …

Supreme Court not in favour of derecognising political parties over freebies
2 years, 4 months ago

Supreme Court not in favour of derecognising political parties over freebies

The Hindu  

The Supreme Court on August 11, 2022 refused to consider the question of derecognising political parties who resort to freebies. The apex court was considering the question of reining in the practice of political parties offering "irrational freebies" to the electorate if they are voted to power, especially in states which are already drowning in debt. Sheer loss to national …

Distributing freebies serious issue, amount has to be spent for infrastructure etc, says SC
2 years, 4 months ago

Distributing freebies serious issue, amount has to be spent for infrastructure etc, says SC

Firstpost  

A bench of Chief Justice of India NV Ramana and Krishna Murari said the economy losing money and the welfare of people, both have to be balanced New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday said that promising and distributing freebies by political parties during elections is a “serious issue” and an amount has to be spent on infrastructure etc. The …

What message are political parties sending? SC comes down heavily on freebies in polls
2 years, 4 months ago

What message are political parties sending? SC comes down heavily on freebies in polls

India Today  

The Supreme Court on Thursday allowed the Aam Aadmi Party to intervene in a petition which opposes the practice of political parties promising freebies during elections. It has also asked for suggestions from the Centre, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, the Election Commission and petitioners on what steps can be taken about freebies. During the hearing, the CJI underlined the need …

Fact Check: No, there is no SC-ordered taxpayers' group that will dictate election freebies
2 years, 4 months ago

Fact Check: No, there is no SC-ordered taxpayers' group that will dictate election freebies

India Today  

If social media is to be believed, then India is all set to have the largest organisation of taxpayers in the world. As the Money belongs to our tax payments, so the taxpayers should have the right to oversee its use.” AFWA’s investigation found that while it’s true that the Supreme Court recently recommended a committee comprising several stakeholders that …

Free Water, Electricity not Freebies but ‘Constitutional Responsibilities of State’, AAP tells SC
2 years, 4 months ago

Free Water, Electricity not Freebies but ‘Constitutional Responsibilities of State’, AAP tells SC

News 18  

While the political arena is already witnessing a war of words over freebies, the Aam Aadmi Party has knocked the doors of the Supreme Court by way of an intervention application. The Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP through its intervention application filed before the top court in an ongoing matter has claimed that electoral promises such as free water, free electricity are …

'Education, healthcare not freebies': AAP tells Supreme Court
2 years, 4 months ago

'Education, healthcare not freebies': AAP tells Supreme Court

India Today  

Asserting that socio-economic welfare schemes for the marginalised population cannot be termed as freebies, the Aam Aadmi Party has sought the Supreme Court's intervention in a pending petition on the issue. "Directive Principles of State Policy of the Constitution reinforced the idea that the state should pursue a socialist and welfarist program for bringing an equitable social order where every …

India’s ‘Freebie Politics’: Why SC’s ‘Expert Panel’ May Be of Little Help
2 years, 4 months ago

India’s ‘Freebie Politics’: Why SC’s ‘Expert Panel’ May Be of Little Help

The Quint  

The Supreme Court of India has decided to set up a committee with representation from the Niti Aayog, the Finance Commission, the Election Commission, the Reserve Bank of India and political parties to study the impact of ‘freebies’ on taxpayers and economy and recommend measures to regulate it. The court wanted an independent expert body to study the pressing issue, …

Sop or welfare debate: The Hindu Editorial on freebies
2 years, 4 months ago

Sop or welfare debate: The Hindu Editorial on freebies

The Hindu  

A general concern over ‘freebies’ pushing the economy to ruin or unviable pre-election promises adversely affecting informed decision-making by voters seems reasonable. However, few will disagree that what constitutes ‘freebies’ and what are legitimate welfare measures to protect the vulnerable sections are essentially political questions for which a court of law may have no answer. The Chief Justice of India, …

SC calls for expert panel to regulate poll freebies
2 years, 4 months ago

SC calls for expert panel to regulate poll freebies

Deccan Chronicle  

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday favoured constituting an expert committee that will deliberate, hold discussion with all the stakeholders and suggest measures to curb political parties promising freebies during elections to woo voters. A bench, headed by Chief Justice of India N.V. Ramana, also comprising Justice Krishna Murari and Justice Hima Kohli felt that all the stakeholders including …

Supreme Court calls for a panel to look into freebies issue
2 years, 4 months ago

Supreme Court calls for a panel to look into freebies issue

The Hindu  

August 03, 2022 01:58 pm | Updated 11:09 pm IST - NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on August 3 said the Parliament may not be able to effectively debate the issue of doing away with "irrational freebies" offered to voters during elections, saying the "reality" is that not a single political party wants to take away freebies. The observations from …

Supreme Court calls for expert panel to regulate freebies offered during elections
2 years, 4 months ago

Supreme Court calls for expert panel to regulate freebies offered during elections

India Today  

The Supreme Court on Wednesday said there is a need for an apex body consisting of members from the Niti Aayog, the Finance Commission, ruling and opposition parties, the Reserve Bank of India and other stakeholders, to make suggestions on how to control freebies given by political parties during election campaigns. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, meanwhile, said "mindless" freebies would …

Can promises of ‘irrational’ poll freebies be curbed, Supreme Court asks government
2 years, 4 months ago

Can promises of ‘irrational’ poll freebies be curbed, Supreme Court asks government

The Hindu  

The Supreme Court on July 26 orally asked the Centre to find out from the Finance Commission whether there is a way to curb political parties from promising and distributing "irrational freebies" during election campaigns. The hearing came on a writ petition filed by BJP leader and lawyer, Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, who had argued that the offer and distribution of …

'No Different From Offering Freebies': Delhi HC Dismisses Challenge To Practice Of Political Parties Promising "Cash Benefits" In Election Manifestos
2 years, 7 months ago

'No Different From Offering Freebies': Delhi HC Dismisses Challenge To Practice Of Political Parties Promising "Cash Benefits" In Election Manifestos

Live Law  

The Delhi High Court has dismissed a PIL challenging the alleged practice of political parties offering cash benefits in lieu of votes during elections. The development ensued in a petition filed by Parashar Narayan Sharma stating that practice of political parties offering cash benefits purportedly in lieu of votes is against the spirit of Section 123 of the Representation of …

What courts have said on 'freebies' from parties during elections
2 years, 8 months ago

What courts have said on 'freebies' from parties during elections

India Today  

During a lengthy meeting with PM Narendra Modi on April 2, several top bureaucrats expressed concern over populist schemes and freebies announced by political parties during assembly elections. On January 25, 2022, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Election Commission of India and the Centre on the issue of political parties wooing voters with the promise of freebies …

Election freebies: An easy tool for parties to woo voters
2 years, 9 months ago

Election freebies: An easy tool for parties to woo voters

India TV News  

Highlights Freebies have taken a prominent place in India's electoral politics. EC had to issue notice to political parties over wooing voters with the promise of freebies Regional parties like Samajwadi Party also joined the freebies race this election Freebies have taken a prominent place in India's electoral politics. Such is a situation that the Supreme Court had to issue …

Promise of freebies in polls a \'serious issue\', asserts SC
2 years, 10 months ago

Promise of freebies in polls a \'serious issue\', asserts SC

Deccan Chronicle  

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notice to the Centre and the Election Commission on a plea seeking to curb the political parties from promising freebies in their election manifestos, thereby putting under further strain the exchequer of already debt-ridden state finances. Describing the issue as “serious”, Chief Justice N.V. Ramana, heading a bench also comprising Justice A.S. …

Discover Related