Plea seeking ban on freebies: SC asks what does a freebie mean?

New Delhi: Insisting on the need for defining the term 'freebies' in the political context, the Supreme Court said it cannot pronounce an order restricting political parties from making promises during elections.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India N V Ramana also asked whether the promises of universal healthcare, access to drinking water, and access to consumer electronics can be treated as freebies.

The court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by BJP leader and advocate Ashwini Upadhyay, who sought a court order to prevent political parties from making freebies as part of election campaigns. The court also urged political parties to put forth their opinions on the issue.

The petitioner also wanted the Election Commission to cancel the registration of political parties that make promises of free things and services during election time.

"I don't think promises alone are the basis of parties being elected. Some make promises and even then they are not elected," the CJI said referring to the argument made by the petitioner.

Earlier, considering the plea, the CJI had observed that the freebies offered by political parties were draining the economy and it was a serious issue. Justice Ramana also said he was not in favour of decertifying any political party over it.

Yesterday, Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK asked the court to make it a party to the case, contending that the scope of the term "freebie" is wide and "there are a lot of aspects which need to be considered".

Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK also moved the Supreme Court urging to be a party in the case after The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). AAP has opposed the idea of considering a ban on freebies.