New Delhi: The Supreme Court has issued notice to the Central Government and the Election Commission on the ‘freebies’ offered by various political parties to woo voters ahead of the elections. The court observed that this was a serious matter and criticized that the budget for free offers was higher than the normal budget. Four weeks later, the court reconsidered the case and directed the Election Commission and the Central Government to respond.
The notice was issued on a petition filed by BJP leader Ashwini Upadhyay alleging that money from public funds was being misused by political parties. A bench comprising Chief Justice NV Ramana, Justices AS Bopanna and Hima Kohli heard the case.
The court had earlier directed the Election Commission to prepare guidelines to restrict the parties from offering freebies. However, the Commission has held discussions only once in this regard. The commission sought the views of various political parties but did not say what happened next, the chief justice said.
‘How can this be legally regulated? Can this be implemented in the upcoming five state elections? This is a very serious matter, “said the Chief Justice.
The petition seeks directions to the Election Commission to cancel the election symbols and registration of political parties that promise to distribute freebies from public funds. The petition also alleges that such irrational promises and free distributions before the elections will unnecessarily influence voters.
English Summary :Freebies “Serious Issue”: Supreme Court Notice To Centre, Election Body
