Hearing on free schemes now on August 17, reprimanded the Election Commission; Chief Justice said – the issue is serious, some people are not serious

There was a hearing in the Supreme Court for about 20 minutes on the demand to stop the promises of free schemes in the elections. During the hearing, the court strongly reprimanded the Election Commission. Chief Justice NV Ramana asked the commission when did you file the affidavit? We didn’t even meet in the night, we came to know after seeing the newspaper in the morning.

A bench of Chief Justice NV Ramana and Justice Krishna Murari heard the matter. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, Court Advisor and Abhishek Manu Singhvi appeared for AAP. The next hearing on this issue will now be held on August 17.

Who said what during the hearing?

Chief Justice- This kind of attitude is not right in a poor country like India. At the time of announcement in the election, the political party does not think from where the money will come? There is a difference between free election promises and social welfare schemes.

Kapil Sibal- It is a complex issue which needs data to be heard. I have a female employee working here. Yesterday he did not have money to go by metro, so I gave it. She told that the bus service in Delhi is free and I am using the same more for traveling. Are these free schemes?

Tushar Mehta- This is a kind of economic disaster. Let the Supreme Court make some guidelines on free schemes. The panel’s suggestion is great too.

Abhishek Manu Singhvi- The formation of the panel is unnecessary. At the time of elections, the welfare scheme acts like a bridge between the voters and the candidates, so that the voters move in the direction of deciding their vote. Court intervention will become political.

Do not include us in the panel, pressure will build
Earlier, the Election Commission has said in the court that there is no fixed definition or identity of free goods or illegal free goods. The commission, in its 12-page affidavit, has said that the definition of free goods changes according to the time and situation in the country. In such a situation, we should be kept out of the expert panel. We are a constitutional body and our presence in the panel will create pressure on the decision.

SC had commented – the commission is not serious
During the hearing on August 4, the Supreme Court had said – If the Commission had taken the first steps on this issue, today such a situation would not have happened. The court further said- hardly any party wants to give up the electoral gimmicks of free schemes. There is a need to constitute an expert committee to resolve this issue, as no party would like to debate on it.

BJP leader Ashwini Upadhyay has filed a public interest litigation. It has demanded that the recognition of the parties which have promised to distribute gifts and facilities free of cost in the elections should be derecognised.

Political parties are making such free promises in elections

1. In the Punjab Assembly elections, AAP promised Rs 1,000 a month to all women above 18 years of age.

2. The SAD promised Rs 2,000 to each woman.

3. The Congress gave Rs.2000 to the domestic women. promised to give a month.

4. Congress promises to give smartphone to 12th class student in UP.

5. In UP, BJP had promised 2 crore tablets.

6. In Gujarat, AAP has given Rs.3000 to the unemployed. Promised to pay monthly allowance. A promise of 300 units of free electricity to every family.

7. In Bihar, BJP promised to provide free corona vaccine.