[Freebies by political parties] Supreme Court expresses displeasure at remarks against Court by DMK on TV debate

The Supreme Court on Tuesday took an unfavourable view of the comments made by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party representative on television debates regarding the top court hearing the case on freebies promised by political parties before elections..A bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana said that DMK is not the only "wise party" and the bench would view the comments by party representative seriously. The remarks were made by the Court when Senior Advocate P Wilson, appearing for DMK, sought to make submission."Mr Wilson, The party you represent (DMK) ... I have a lot of things to say. Don't think you are the only wise party appearing. Don't think we are ignoring all that is being said just because we are not saying anything," the CJI remarked.At this juncture, Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan appearing for one of the petitioners, echoed the CJI's concerns."Yes the statements made by the Finance Minister of Tamil Nadu on TV against Supreme Court were not correct," Sankaranarayanan said.The sharp comment from the CJI came after Finance Minister of Tamil Nadu, Palanivel Thiagarajan, had said on a TV debate that there was no Constitutional basis for courts to enter into the domain of economic policy."What is happening in Supreme Court is a farce. I don't understand what new constitutional amendment has been perceived by the supreme court where they think it is their business to decide how elected officials should spend money for the people," Thiagarajan had said..On the issue of freebies, CJI Ramana observed on Tuesday that it would need a thorough debate. "Cows and goats in a rural area are a source of livelihood and this cannot be seen in such a water compartment way. Some are given bicycles as women are able to get to educational institutions or pursue business. We have to see what is freebie and what is welfare. For a rural poverty stricken person, for them such kits are important and it cannot be debated here in this room. Much has to be learnt from their knowledge and wisdom of such people," the CJI said..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.The plea by Updhayay has opposed the practice of political parties giving/ promising freebies to voters..Up until now, various political parties and leaders have opposed the plea.The Aam Aadmi Party has stated that the plea by BJP leader Ashwini Upadhyay is a "political interest litigation."The AAP, in an intervention application, said that if a discussion has to take place on “freebies” and their connection to the fiscal health of the country, then the discussion has to be first in respect of what is being given to politicians, ministers, and Members of Parliament and Legislative Assemblies."If the idea is resource conservation within the nation, then the beginning point of that should not be the deserving masses who are constitutionally entitled to support in attaining a dignified standard of living," the AAP said.Congress leader Dr. Jaya Thakur has submitted that it is the duty of the government to uplift weaker sections of the society and framing schemes and providing subsidies for the same is the duty of ruling parties which run the government.Giving such subsidies and concessions to citizens is in discharge of Constitutional mandate and they cannot be termed freebies, Dr. Thakur's intervention application said.The DMK has also been very vocal in its opposition to Upadhyay's plea..The hearing will continue on Wednesday.