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 ahead of the assembly elections in five states. PREVIOUS COURT RULING ON FREEBIES January 25, 2022: Promise of freebies in polls a 'serious issue' says SC, issues notice to Centre, EC The Supreme Court said political parties competing with each other to announce freebies and doles during electioneering has the potential to upset states’ finances and vitiate free and fair polls and asked the Centre and the Election Commission to respond to a PIL seeking measures to curb this infectious poll-eve tendency. July 5, 2013: Supreme Court says political parties shouldn't promise freebies Freebies promised by political parties in their election manifestos shake the roots of free and fair polls, the Supreme Court said and directed the Election Commission to frame guidelines for regulating contents of manifestos. March 31, 2021: Madras HC queries Centre on proposed law on making rational poll promises The Madras High Court came down heavily on political parties for making people lazy by distributing freebies.

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History of this topic

Ex-RBI Governor bats for imposing restraints on freebies by political parties, gives THESE suggestions
8 months ago

Ex-RBI Governor bats for imposing restraints on freebies by political parties, gives THESE suggestions

India TV News  

Former Reserve Bank of India Governor D Subbarao said the Modi government should come out with a 'White paper' to generate consensus among political parties on the issue of giveaways or freebies. On some of the states crossing Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management limits, he said states and the central government should maintain fiscal discipline and the FRBM targets should …

'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 …

Why should freebies be opposed?
1 year, 3 months ago

Why should freebies be opposed?

Deccan Chronicle  

A news story in a Tamil newspaper caused a flutter last week. Hastening to answer these two questions that the debates on social media threw up and the criticism of some politicians raised in other forums, too, I would say ‘no.’ Giveaways, gifts, free lunches and compliments are part of human civilization and sloth among people cannot be blamed on …

Dhankhar disses parties for freebies, calls it ‘political intoxication of people’
1 year, 4 months ago

Dhankhar disses parties for freebies, calls it ‘political intoxication of people’

Hindustan Times  

UDAIPUR: Vice president Jagdeep Dhankhar on Tuesday asked political parties to debate the practice of extending free goods or facilities by states, saying the “political intoxication of the people by the distribution of largesse” requires serious deliberation. Dhankhar’s statement comes amid back-and-forth between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government and the Opposition parties on the topic. Dhankhar, who is …

Doing Freebies Math: Why there are no easy solutions
1 year, 10 months ago

Doing Freebies Math: Why there are no easy solutions

India Today  

While releasing his recent book, BJP MP Varun Gandhi made a strong pitch for regulating freebies culture. In October 2022, ECI released a standard pro-forma to be used by political parties to disclose how they would fund their poll promises, a move that provoked heated response from opposition parties, with some of them calling it an “interference in their democratic …

EC doesn\'t have jurisdiction to regulate issues like freebies: Cong
2 years, 1 month ago

EC doesn\'t have jurisdiction to regulate issues like freebies: Cong

Deccan Chronicle  

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Friday said the Election Commission does not have the jurisdiction to regulate issues such as freebies, and urged the panel to focus on ensuring free and fair polls through proper implementation of Election Laws. "It is really something which is to be decided, be it pre-election or post-election, be it by way of electoral punishment …

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 …

Affidavits will not fix freebies
2 years, 2 months ago

Affidavits will not fix freebies

Hindustan Times  

In what appears to be yet another effort to tackle the problem of freebies, the Election Commission of India has proposed – views of political parties have been sought on the issue – an amendment to the Model Code of Conduct for elections. The proposed amendment asks that political parties come clean on the fiscal costs of political promises made …

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 …

Poorly-directed freebies may have adverse consequences on economy: Experts
2 years, 3 months ago

Poorly-directed freebies may have adverse consequences on economy: Experts

Firstpost  

The Supreme Court recently said freebies at the cost of taxpayers’ money may push the country towards imminent bankruptcy New Delhi: Poorly-directed freebies may wreak havoc on state finances and have adverse consequences on the economy as in the case of Sri Lanka, experts say while noting it is important to define a freebie and how it is different from …

Don\'t burden utilities, pay for freebies from budgets: FM
2 years, 3 months ago

Don\'t burden utilities, pay for freebies from budgets: FM

Deccan Chronicle  

MUMBAI: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said political parties that come to power on pre-poll promises of freebies should pay for those through budgetary provisions. Citing the example of free electricity being promised in many states, the finance minister said the burden for the freebies should not be thrust upon the power discoms or gencos. You should be, …

Issue of political parties promising freebies 'serious', why can't Centre call for all-party meet, asks SC
2 years, 3 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 …

Are freebies a way to mask state inaction?
2 years, 4 months ago

Are freebies a way to mask state inaction?

The Hindu  

In March 2021, Thulam Saravanan, a legislative Assembly candidate for the Madurai South constituency in Tamil Nadu, offered extraordinary sops such as ₹1 crore and a car worth ₹20 lakh for each household, a robot for every homemaker, ₹1 crore to youth looking to start a business, a 100-day trip to the moon, a 300-feet artificial glacier to keep people …

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 …

Freebies come at a price: economist
2 years, 4 months ago

Freebies come at a price: economist

The Hindu  

Freebies are never ‘free’ and when political parties offer such schemes, they must be required to make the financing and trade-offs clear to voters, RBI Monetary Policy Committee Member Ashima Goyal said on Sunday, adding this would reduce the temptation towards “competitive populism”. Noting that this hurts production and resource allocation and imposes large indirect costs, such as the water …

Freebies are never 'free'; subsidies that distort prices are harmful, says RBI MPC member Ashima Goyal
2 years, 4 months ago

Freebies are never 'free'; subsidies that distort prices are harmful, says RBI MPC member Ashima Goyal

Firstpost  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has in recent days hit out at the competitive populism of extending ‘rewaris’ or freebies which are not just wastage of taxpayers’ money, but also an economic disaster that could hamper India’s drive to become Atmanirbhar New Delhi: Freebies are never ‘free’ and when political parties offer such schemes, they must be required to make the …

Modi govt. is the biggest freebie giver for political leverage: Amit Mitra
2 years, 4 months ago

Modi govt. is the biggest freebie giver for political leverage: Amit Mitra

The Hindu  

Wading into the freebie debate, former West Bengal Finance Minister Amit Mitra said what Prime Minister Narendra Modi government was calling “freebies” were fundamental for the inclusive economic growth of the country. This government has been the biggest giver of freebies for political leverage.” He pointed out that through eight Central schemes, the Centre pays out ₹1.25 lakh crores, which …

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 …

Can't stop political parties from making promises, issue of freebies is complicated: Supreme Court
2 years, 4 months ago

Can't stop political parties from making promises, issue of freebies is complicated: Supreme Court

Firstpost  

The top court was hearing a plea filed by Tamil Nadu’s ruling party DMK which challenged the definition of freebies saying that welfare schemes introduced by a state government cannot be dubbed as a freebie New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday said that it cannot stop political parties from making promises and that the issue of freebies is complicated. …

"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 …

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 …

‘Freebies’ can be lifesavers during dire times: Election Commission
2 years, 4 months ago

‘Freebies’ can be lifesavers during dire times: Election Commission

The Hindu  

What is considered "freebies" in normal times can be lifesavers during a disaster or a pandemic, the Election Commission of India told the Supreme Court on Wednesday. The top poll body was giving the apex court its take on a petition filed by advocate Ashwini Upadhyay to ban the practice of political parties promising "irrational freebies", especially during election time …

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 …

'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 …

Congress offers ‘freebies’ in the run up to Himachal Pradesh Assembly polls
2 years, 4 months ago

Congress offers ‘freebies’ in the run up to Himachal Pradesh Assembly polls

The Hindu  

As the Congress party is seeking to wrest back power from the BJP in Himachal Pradesh, the party has placed its bet on ‘freebies’ in an attempt to garner support ahead of the Assembly elections in the State due later this year. In Shimla, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, who is party’s Election Observer for Himachal said that once the …

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, …

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 …

The problem of freebies and how we define them
2 years, 5 months ago

The problem of freebies and how we define them

Live Mint  

How free is a freebie? And so, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent warning about election-driven fiscal populism is well taken, especially since states finances remain weak. The PM called it a culture of distributing free revri—a sesame-filled sweet that is often tossed into bonfires at north Indian harvest festivals. Scholars have called the Modi government’s redistribution agenda ‘new welfarism’, with …

'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 …

Offering freebies either before or after election is policy decision of the party concerned: ECI to SC
2 years, 8 months ago

Offering freebies either before or after election is policy decision of the party concerned: ECI to SC

Firstpost  

Earlier, petitioner lawyer Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay in his plea had sought direction from the Centre and Election Commission of India to take steps to regulate political parties and to make them accountable for their manifesto promises New Delhi: The Election Commission of India has told the Supreme Court that offering any freebies either before or after the election is a …

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. …

Plea in Supreme Court seeks action against political parties that promise ‘irrational’ freebies from public funds
2 years, 11 months ago

Plea in Supreme Court seeks action against political parties that promise ‘irrational’ freebies from public funds

The Hindu  

A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking a direction to the Election Commission of India to seize the election symbol or de-register a political party that promises or distributes “irrational freebies” from public funds before elections. The plea urged the court to declare that the promise of irrational freebies from public funds before elections unduly influences the …

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