The SC bench, headed by Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, said the panel is required to determine the pros and cons of freebies as these have a “significant impact on the economy”.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday expressed concern about 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 (RBI), and other stakeholders, to make suggestions on how to regulate freebies given by political parties during election campaigns
The apex Court was hearing a plea against the practice of political parties promising freebies during elections.
The SC bench, headed by Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, said the panel is required to determine the pros and cons of freebies as these have a “significant impact on the economy”. The proposed entity would examine how to regulate freebies and submit reports to the Centre, the Election Commission (EC), and the SC.
The top court asked the Centre, the Election Commission, senior advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal, and the petitioners to submit their suggestions within seven days on the composition of the expert body.
“Mindless” freebies would lead India to an “economic disaster,” said Solicitor General Tushar Mehta. As the SC
The SC said such a situation had arisen due to the “inaction” of the EC, the poll body said that its hands were tied by a judgment of the court on freebies. In its response, the three-judge bench said if necessary, it would reconsider the said judgment.
However, as Mr. Sibal, said in the court that it should be left to Parliament to debate and pass a law on the matter, CJI Ramana pointed out that no political party would stand against freebies.
CJI NV Ramana responded, “Do you think Parliament will debate the issue of freebies? Which political party will debate? No political party would oppose freebies. Everyone wants it. We must think about the taxpayers and the country’s economy.
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