New Delhi: Supreme Court says freebies is an important issue and a debate is needed on this. CJI NV Ramana says suppose Centre makes a law that states cannot give freebies, so can we say such a law is not open to judicial scrutiny. For the welfare of the country, we are hearing this issue.
Supreme Court says freebies is an important issue and a debate is needed on this. CJI NV Ramana says suppose Centre makes a law that states cannot give freebies, so can we say such a law is not open to judicial scrutiny. For the welfare of the country, we are hearing this issue. pic.twitter.com/bEe6Ac0KSh
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While hearing the petition on freebies Chief Justice of India, NV Ramanna said, ” I read your submission Mr. Sibal. Question is that no one can deny that this is not an issue. This is an issue. Tomorrow suppose a particular state, one of the freebies, we are the beneficiaries of scheme. Can we say that it’s the prerogative of we are not against any policies of the government. We are not against any scheme.”
Can govt say what we cannot look into: CJI NV Ramana
He further said, “Tomorrow the Government of India makes a law that states should not make freebies. Can we say that government can say whatever we cannot look into it. In the interest of both welfare of people and economy, we started looking into this issue. Question is that debate has to take place. Two, committee has to be made. Let us see what all of us have to say.”
Kapil Sibal said, “I must concede. The question is how best to handle it. If some of these freebies are given deficit will be beyond 3% that will not be colored in politics.”
If govt passes a law against freebies, what then?- CJI NV Ramana
The CJI asked, “Tomorrow if state government passes a law that no freebies are government, what is the remedy then?”
Non political body should handle- Kapil Sibal
Kapil Sibal replied, “There has to be a mechanism by ECI. A body which is non political has to handle. Like the finance commission. The data of the deficit will be there. Finance commission deals with deficits of the state. If the states exceed the allocation made to them, it will result in 3% deficit so next year’s allocation will be affected.”
CJI said, “One, nobody can question responsibility of any party. The difficulty arises when some party distributes sarees, some party gives TV Sets. Some voter complaints. A petition was filed in Delhi HC that CM had made a promise and he be directed to fulfil it.”
Will the SC remain a mere spectator?- SG Tushar Mehta
SG Mehta said, “In such circumstances will the court remain mere spectator?”
CJI Ramana said, “We are not looking at the issue just at the time of elections but also after it. The voter has a right to have an informed choice. If you are giving him false promise which your finances do not permit or you’re destroying economy – would that be permitted?”
SG Mehta further said, “It is a serious issue leading to disastrous economic consequences. Vikas Singh: This is deflecting the problem. This is a legal problem.”
Is your case related to just elections?- CJI NV Ramana
CJI Ramana said, “Is your case related to just election.
Singh said, “Just during election as it creates an unlevel field. No one is saying don’t give free water. We are saying is that there is already governance going in a state. You are contesting and saying I will provide additional benefits. That will require fiscal support.”
Sing further said, “Where will you get the money from? Voter has a right to know, taxpayer should know that this money is going from my pocket. Election manifestos must provide where the money will be coming from.”
(The hearing is ongoing. More details will be added as they arrive.)
