Wed Feb 12 08:15:52 UTC 2025: **Supreme Court Criticizes Election-Time Freebies, Linking Them to Workforce Apathy**
New Delhi, February 12, 2025 – The Supreme Court of India today expressed concern over the practice of political parties promising freebies before elections, suggesting it discourages work ethic among citizens. The court’s observation came during a hearing on the right to shelter for the urban homeless.
Justice B.R. Gavai noted that the provision of free rations and monetary benefits without requiring work was creating a disincentive for employment. “Unfortunately, because of these freebies… the people are not willing to work. They are getting free rations. They are getting amounts without doing any work,” Justice Gavai stated. The bench suggested integrating these individuals into the mainstream workforce, enabling them to contribute to national development.
Attorney General R. Venkataramani informed the court that the central government is developing an urban poverty alleviation mission to address various issues, including shelter for the homeless. The Supreme Court has requested an update on the mission’s timeline and adjourned the case for six weeks.
First Piper 