Supreme Court.
Supreme Court.
Assembly Election Freebies: A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court against the free announcements being made before the assembly elections. In this matter, the Supreme Court has issued notice to Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Central Government and Election Commission. Also, the court of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud has sought their reply within 4 weeks and the matter has also been clubbed with the already pending petition.
What did the petitioner say in the petition
The petition filed by social activist Bhattulal Jain said that instructions should be issued not to misuse consolidated funds or public funds at the time of elections. He also alleged that such pre-poll promises and freebies made by political parties to woo voters before the elections were wasting the money of the common people.
The petitioner also said that freebies like tablets were being distributed six months before the elections and the state governments were citing it as public interest. He stressed that the states were in huge debt and free things should not be distributed. Cash is being distributed by the government before the elections. This is seen every time in elections and its burden falls on the taxpayer.
While hearing the matter, CJI Chandrachud said that all kinds of promises are made before the elections and we cannot control it. However, the bench has also issued notices to the Centre, Election Commission (EC) and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on the petition. Also, asked to file reply within four weeks. He has also been asked to come with his lawyer. According to media reports, elections can be held in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh in November and December.
