"Because of the freebies in Maharashtra which they just announced prior to elections, the agriculturists are not getting labourers," - Justice B R Gavai
Aren't we creating class of parasites? Supreme Court frowns on poll freebies
The Supreme Court's strong observation comes at a time when political parties go all out to woo voters by promising freebies with little concern for state finances.
"Because Of Freebies, People Aren't Willing To Work"
The Supreme Court said it would be better to integrate people into the mainstream so they could contribute to building the nation.
The Supreme Court, which was hearing a plea seeking shelter for the homeless in Delhi, said people were not willing to work due to the lure of cash transfer schemes like Ladki Bahin and free rations.
"I am sorry to say, but the affidavit (respondent's) says this much facilities will be provided to them (homeless persons)...rather than permitting them to be a part of the mainstream society by contributing to the development of the nation, are we not creating a class of parasites?
- said a bench of Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih.
The top court cited cash handout schemes for women like Ladki Bahin, which was one of the key drivers of the BJP-led alliance's thumping win in Maharashtra, to buttress its point.
"Unfortunately, because of these freebies which, just on the anvil when elections are declared, Ladli Behen and some other schemes... the people are not willing to work. They are getting free rations, amounts without doing any work," the court said.
The top court's strong observation comes at a time when political parties go all out to woo voters by promising freebies like free electricity and water with little concern for state finances. A set of petitions seeking to curb the culture of freebies is pending with the top court.
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| Freebies gave AAP powers between 2015 and 2025 |
Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for one of the petitioners, interjected to say there was hardly anybody in the country who would not want to work if they had employment opportunities.
Shooting down his submission, Justice BR Gavai recounted his personal experience of how agriculturists in Maharashtra were not getting labourers as they were getting "things free at home".
"You must be having only one side knowledge... I come from an agricultural family.
Because of the freebies in Maharashtra which they just announced prior to elections, the agriculturists are not getting labourers. Everybody is getting free at home," he said.
However, the court acknowledged that the right to shelter was now a fundamental right and the plea needed to be dealt with.
Attorney General R Venkataramani emphasised that the Centre would soon roll out the urban poverty alleviation mission, which would address the issue of shelter for the urban homeless.
The court asked the AG to verify the time frame of the scheme from the Centre and collate data from states on facilities for the homeless.
Advocate Prashant Bushan, citing a survey, said there were about 3 lakh urban homeless in Delhi alone.
One of the petitioners faced the ire of the court after he claimed that the authorities showed compassion only for the rich.
"Don't make a speech of Ramlila Maidan in this court and don't make unnecessary allegations. Don't make a political speech here," the court thundered.
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