Creating class of parasites? SC slams freebies culture

The Supreme Court has strongly criticized the rising trend of political freebies, stating that such promises discourage people from working. The court questioned whether this practice is creating a dependency culture, making individuals reliant on state aid instead of becoming self-sufficient. The remarks came just days after the Delhi Assembly Elections, where major parties announced a series of lucrative poll promises.

SC Criticizes Freebies Culture

A Supreme Court bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and Augustine George Masih took a firm stance against the distribution of freebies by political parties to secure votes. "Because of freebies, when elections are declared, people are not willing to work. They are getting free rations without doing any work," the court observed.

'Creating a class of parasites?'

The apex court went a step further, asking whether such policies were leading to the creation of a "class of parasites" in society. The remarks highlight growing concerns over welfare schemes that, instead of empowering people, could make them overly dependent on government handouts.

Hearing on urban poverty

The court was hearing a case related to the right to shelter for homeless persons in urban areas. During the proceedings, Attorney General R. Venkataramani informed the bench that the Centre is finalizing an urban poverty. The Supreme Court's strong observations came days after the conclusion of the Delhi Assembly Elections in which both BJP and AAP announced lucrative promises they would fulfill after gaining power.

Some of AAP's such promises included the Mahila Samman Yojana (Rs 2,100 monthly assistance to every woman), waiver of water bills, free bus rides for male students, and 50 percent concession on metro fares for all students.