The High Court on Tuesday imposed a penalty of ₹25,000 on a man for challenging the Delhi government’s decision to grant electricity and water subsidies to the people of the Capital, saying it was ‘absolutely and purely’ a policy decision over which court will not interfere.
A Bench of Chief Justice D.N. Patel and Justice Prateek Jalan said water and electricity concessions were being given by the Delhi government as per its policy decision which was based on complex facts and situations prevailing in the society.
The court said that it was not going to alter it or interfere with it unless the petitioner points out an illegality in the policy. The Bench, additionally, said that the government policies can’t be decided in court adding, “How to rule a State has to be best left to the people doing so”.
The petition, filed by Shailendra Kumar Singh, stated that the AAP government’s policy in this regard was discrimination and that it was politically motivated as “free and subsidy units of electricity further increased during Delhi election of 2019”. Mr. Singh claimed that according to the response received under the Right to Information Act, subsidies to the tune of ₹2,500 crore have been granted to the people without any disability, liability, restriction or conditions.
The petition sought to remove all freebie policies and schemes which are given to general public. It asked to focus on improvements along with building infrastructure and services to have a welfare State.
You have reached your limit for free articles this month.
To get full access, please subscribe.
Already have an account ? Sign in
Show Less Plan
Subscription Benefits Include
Today's Paper
Find mobile-friendly version of articles from the day's newspaper in one easy-to-read list.
Faster pages
Move smoothly between articles as our pages load instantly.
Unlimited Access
Enjoy reading as many articles as you wish without any limitations.
Dashboard
A one-stop-shop for seeing the latest updates, and managing your preferences.
Personalised recommendations
A select list of articles that match your interests and tastes.
Briefing
We brief you on the latest and most important developments, three times a day.
*Our Digital Subscription plans do not currently include the e-paper ,crossword, iPhone, iPad mobile applications and print. Our plans enhance your reading experience.
A letter from the Editor
Dear subscriber,
Thank you!
Your support for our journalism is invaluable. It’s a support for truth and fairness in journalism. It has helped us keep apace with events and happenings.
The Hindu has always stood for journalism that is in the public interest. At this difficult time, it becomes even more important that we have access to information that has a bearing on our health and well-being, our lives, and livelihoods. As a subscriber, you are not only a beneficiary of our work but also its enabler.
We also reiterate here the promise that our team of reporters, copy editors, fact-checkers, designers, and photographers will deliver quality journalism that stays away from vested interest and political propaganda.
Suresh Nambath