SC Slams Freebies Culture, Says States Should Open Avenues For Employment

New Delhi, February 19 (TNA) The Supreme Court on Thursday slammed the freebies culture, saying it was high time to revisit such policies that hamper the country's economic development. Taking note of the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd's plea, which proposed providing free electricity to all, irrespective of consumers' financial status, the top court said it was quite understandable if states hand-hold the poor.

“Most of the states in the country are revenue-deficient states, and yet they are offering such freebies," overlooking development, a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi said. The bench said the economic development of the nation gets hampered with this kind of largesse distribution, and states should work to open avenues for employment instead of giving free food, cycles, and electricity to all.

The top court, however, issued notice to the Centre and others on the plea of the DMK government-led power distribution firm, which proposes to provide free electricity. The power firm has challenged a rule of the Electricity Amendment Rules, 2024. “What kind of culture are we developing in India? It is understandable that as part of the welfare measure you want to provide to those who are incapable of paying the electricity charges,” the bench asked.

“But without distinguishing between those who can afford it and those who cannot, you start distributing. Will it not amount to an appeasing policy?" the CJI asked.