SC refers ‘election freebies’ issue to 3-judge bench, Hearing live-streamed

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• Aug 26, 2022 | Dhupali Das

The freebies case was one of 20 proceedings streamed for the first time from the Chief Justice's court or the Ceremonial Bench...

Digital Desk: On political parties' promising freebies ahead of elections, the Supreme Court today called an expert committee and an all-party meeting to discuss the subject. For the first time ever, the order was live-streamed to mark the final day as Chief Justice NV Ramana. 

The freebies case was one of 20 proceedings streamed for the first time from the Chief Justice's court or the Ceremonial Bench. 

A petition has been initiated to deregister political parties that provide freebies during and after elections.

"There is no getting around the fact that the electorate holds the real power in an elected democracy. Voters evaluate parties and candidates," Chief Justice Ramana stated.

"We believe that a committee of experts should be formed to investigate the situation. At the most recent hearing, we suggested to the centre to schedule an all-party meeting," said the CJI. 

During hearings, a number of political parties claimed that these were not freebies but rather public welfare programs.

The Supreme Court also ruled that a petition for reconsideration of a 2013 decision in a related matter would be decided by a three-judge bench. According to that ruling, offering free TVs or computers during elections is not considered to be a corrupt practise and is in line with state policy's Directive Principles for the welfare of residents.

The court had previously questioned why the Centre had not called an all-party meeting to tackle the "serious issue" of political party handouts.

The judges noted that nothing could happen unless all political parties agree that freebies will ruin the economy and must be stopped.

"A discussion is necessary. There is no doubt about the gravity of the situation. The point is, why don't all political parties meet, and why can't the government of India organize a meeting?," the court said.