The Supreme Court on Friday issued notices to the Centre, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan and the Election Commission of India, in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against distribution of freebies during elections.
The PIL alleged that cash and other gratuities are distributed at the behest of taxpayers. The PIL was heard by a bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Mishra. The bench sought responses from the Centre, states and the polling panel within four weeks.
The PIL, filed by social activist Bhatulal Jain, has sought comprehensive guidelines to prevent political parties from distributing cash and other freebies at taxpayers’ expense. The bench also ordered to tag the PIL with the pending petition on the issue.
Pre-poll promise ‘wasting taxpayers’ money’
The petition has sought directions to the state and central governments not to misuse the consolidated fund or grant in the name of public welfare in the run-up to the elections.
The petition also alleged that such pre-election promises made by political parties are “swindling taxpayers’ money”.
It further asked the Supreme Court to direct and declare that the promise/distribution of unreasonable freebies from public funds before elections amounts to bribery and undue influence.
The lawyer told the bench that “a line has to be drawn between what is in public interest and what is not. Cash distribution – There is nothing more cruel than allowing the government to distribute cash. These things start six months before the elections.” are.”
The petitioner highlighted how the burden of such free schemes is ultimately shifted to the tax paying citizens of India. Responding to pre-poll promises, the CJI said, “All kinds of promises are made before elections and we cannot control it.”
The petition demanded that state and central governments follow a set set of guidelines before the elections regarding the announcement of free schemes.
“No government can announce free electricity, free water, free distribution or loan waiver without the approval of the Legislative Assembly, irrespective of the government. Monitor its use,” the petition said. “
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