[Freebies by political parties] We will not enter into arena of de-registering political parties as it is undemocratic: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Thursday made it clear that while it will examine the issue of political parties promising freebies before elections, it will not enter into the prayer to deregister political parties for the same. .A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana and Justice Krishna Murari said that entertaining such a request will go against principles of democracy and cannot be permitted. "I do not want to enter the area of de registering political party etc as its an undemocratic arena. We are a democracy after all," CJI Ramana remarked. .The Court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) petition by BJP leader Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay seeking directions to the Central government and the Election Commission to take steps to regulate poll manifestos of political parties and to parties accountable for promises made in such manifestos. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Central government, said that freebies by political parties need to be regulated and the Supreme Court can step in and lay down something until the legislature frame a law in this regard. "We (Centre) are proposing a committee - Beneficiaries, Secretary Central government, Secretaries of State governments, representatives of each political party, representative of Niti Aayog, RBI, Finance Commission, National Tax Payers Association, one who supports freebies, industry and stressed sectors" the SG said.Senior Counsel Kapil Sibal said that the case involves a complicated issue which can be decided only based on solid data. "It is a complicated issue to be heard like this. There needs to be data before you. I have an employee who works and yesterday she had no money to travel by metro. I gave her money and then she told me she takes a free bus. It is free for women. Is it a freebie?" Sibal asked..CJI Ramana then narrated how freebies can also lead to illegalities being legalised."My father in law is an agriculturist and the government had said no (free) power connection to the agriculturist or land holders. He asked me if I can file a writ, but I told him it was a policy decision. One day the irregular connection was regularised and his was not. I cannot touch a brick in my house as it violates sanction plan and the other bungalows are raising floors and next day all of its regularised. So wrong doers are approved and law abiding people are punished," the CJI said.He said loss of money to exchequer and welfare of people have to be balanced. "That is why this debate and there must be someone who can put their vision and thoughts. Please submit something before my retirement," the CJI added.The case will be considered again on August 17. .[Read live account of the hearing below]

[Freebies by political parties] We will not enter into arena of de-registering political parties as it is undemocratic: Supreme Court

Debayan Roy

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