“Not against govt scheme or policy’ SC in a plea to stop freebie promises made by parties

New Delhi, Aug 23 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday said it was not in opposition to any government scheme or policy and has begun to examine the question of freebies to help with the welfare of the population and the economy.

Now the debate must be heldThe Chief Justice N V Ramana said the courts intent was to begin an open debate with the public about the topic of freebies.

It was recommended that an expert panel be established to look into the issue.The bench, which also includes Justices Hima Kohli and C.T.Ravikumar The bench declared: "We are not against any policy of the government.We are not against any plan ." The Chief Justice also said that if the government of India adopts an act against freebies, could it be claimed that the government is able to decide what it wants, and the court cant examine the matter? He stated that the court began to look into the matter in the interests of both the welfare of citizens and economics, and it is time to have a debate and a committee established.Recognizing the complexity of the problem - whats the difference between welfare and freebies CJI Ramana said that, for instance states provide cycles to the poor and women and enhances their lives, however, the issue is what is free and what is a welfare program to aid in the improvement of the individual.

He said that for a poor person in rural areas his income could depend on the use of a small boat or bicycle and its difficult to sit in a room and debate the issue.Senior attorney Kapil Sibal has argued that the issue should be resolved by a system, not by politics and suggested that the Finance Commission should be looped in the process.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta submitted that nobody was in disagreement with social welfare.however the issue arises when a party distributed non-essential items such as television sets, sarees, and so on.Mehta stated that the voter has the right to make an informed decision and a false promise that finances cannot afford could have disastrous economic consequences.Senior advocate Vikas Singh, who represents advocate Ashwini Upadhyay who is petitioning for her rights, explained that the case was only about promises made by political parties during elections.

He also said that parties were taking advantage of the issue by claiming it was social welfare however "in the real world, its a fiscal discipline, and if not addressed with could create India an Sri Lanka".Senior advocate P.Wilson, representing the DMK was trying to present arguments in the case however, the Chief Justice informed Wilson: "Mr.Wilson, the party you represent I have many of points to make, but Im trying to keep my mouth shut.Dont think that you are the only one who is wise.The way youre talking about making remarks.

Dont believe that we arent paying attention to all the things being said." DMK has filed an impleading application in the highest court stating that welfare measures designed to assist marginalized people cant be referred to as "freebies".

The Supreme Court is currently hearing a case filed by Upadhyay seeking instructions to the Centre and the Election Commission to take steps to regulate the poll manifestos of political parties, and against irrational offers of freebies offered by political parties in order to attract voters to vote.The supreme court is likely to keep hearing the case on Wednesday.

In the earlier hearing, the highest court had suggested forming an expert panel made up of representatives from the state and central governments and opposition political parties Election Commission, Finance Commission, Reserve Bank of India, NITI Aayog etc., ss/v.