The Supreme Court on August 23 said that the issue concerning freebies is an important one and requires debate as it posted the case for further hearing for tomorrow.
The apex court noted that the issue concerning freebies is complex and there is a need to draw a distinction between welfare schemes and other promises that are made by political parties before elections. The bench headed by Chief Justice of India NV Ramana said that the top court is hearing the issue for the welfare of the country.
At the outset, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal told the court today that a "non-political body" may look into the issue and make recommendations. Sibal, whose opinion the top court had sought, suggested Finance Commission to be such a body.
Sibal said that issue of freebies must be viewed through a fiscal lens rather than a political one which can be facilitated if finance divisions of governments are entrusted with considering the delivery of promises made.
Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta questioned the model of promising "freebies" sometimes in the form of free-of-charge utilities or a promise against a collection of specific taxes if voted to power. "These can have devastating economic effect on the finances of the states," the solicitor said adding further that the tax payer has the right to make an informed decision as to who will bear the burden of fulfilling such promises.
The counsel for the petitioner however argued that the plea does not touch upon welfare schemes undertaken by the government for the upliftment of the downtrodden but questions the promises and distribution of freebies ahead of polls.
Chief Justice Ramana observed that all political parties want freebies and engage in such pre-poll promises. However, the issue is complex, he said. Some items given as freebies such as bicycles for women or cattle for farmers can also fall within the definition of a welfare move, the top judge noted.
The issue requires debate and may be put for consideration before the parliament, the court noted. The Chief justice, who is due to demit his office on August 26, also rued about the lack of time on his hands to hear the case and said that the case requires a detailed hearing.
Saying that the court initially considered setting up a panel for deliberating on the issue, the court adjourned the hearing till tomorrow when the parties will continue to make their submissions on this issue.