North India Statesman
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News India Live, Digital Desk: A bench headed by Chief Justice (CJI) Surya Kant came down hard on election handouts while hearing a petition involving Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation. The court said that the country’s policy of indiscriminate free distribution ‘Work Culture’ And ruining the economy.
1. 5 big comments of the Supreme Court
Vikas vs Revdi: The court said, “Most of the states are in revenue deficit, yet they are distributing freebies. The state governments are doing only two things – paying salaries and distributing revenue. Where are the funds for development works?”
Who will do the work?: The CJI asked sharply, “If you give free food, free bicycles and free electricity from morning till evening, then who will work? This culture is fatal for the future of the country.”
Difference between real public welfare and appeasement: The court clarified that helping the poor and the helpless is ‘welfare’, but giving everything free to rich and poor without any discrimination is only ‘welfare’. ‘Politics of appeasement’ Is.
Burden on the economy: The bench warned that such policies are making the debt burden on the states unbearable, which will lead to stagnation of infrastructure and employment generation in the long run.
Accountability should be fixed: The court has issued a notice to the Central Government and the Election Commission asking what concrete steps have been taken so far to stop these ‘illogical free gifts’.
2. Which states were affected?
Although the remarks were general, the Court specifically mentioned states where schemes like electricity, water and cash transfers are being implemented without any economic basis. On the electricity subsidy scheme of Tamil Nadu, the court raised the question that when the tariff had been fixed, what was the point of suddenly making it free?
What will happen next?
The Supreme Court has considered this case to be part of a broader constitutional debate. There will be a detailed hearing on this in March 2026, in which the court can decide whether promising ‘freebies’ before the elections. Representation of the People Act (RP Act) under ‘corruption’ or ‘bribery’ Whether it falls in the category of or not.
