The Supreme Court on Thursday questioned the trend of state governments announcing welfare schemes ahead of elections, observing that such a practice could hamper the country’s long-term economic development, Live Law reported.
A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul Pancholi was hearing a petition filed by the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Company challenging a provision under the 2024 Electricity Amendment Rules. The company has proposed to provide free electricity to all consumers irrespective of their financial status, Times Now reported.
The elections in Tamil Nadu are expected to be held in April or May.
During the hearing, the chief justice raised concerns about states absorbing the electricity bills. Addressing advocate Gopal Subramanium, appearing for the state, Kant asked whether it was in the public interest for the state to bear the costs without distinguishing between those who can afford to pay and those who are marginalised.
“We are not talking of Tamil Nadu in particular,” Live Law quoted Kant as saying. “We are talking of pan-India. What kind of culture are we developing?”
Kant said that it is understandable that the state wants to help persons who are marginalised. “But the persons who can enjoy, has all means available and are affluent and therefore any kind of freebie first comes to their pocket,” Live Law quoted Kant as saying.
He added: “Is it not high time for states to revisit these policy frameworks?”
Social welfare schemes such as free public transport and concessions in electricity bills are referred to as “freebies” by some groups.
Kant observed that the fundamental principle should be that those who avail of services and have the means to pay must bear the cost. He added that the court was not directing any state entity to indulge in profiteering, but stating that at least the costs should be recovered from those who can afford to pay.
“We know what is happening in the nearest places where the last elections took place,” Live Law quoted Kant as saying. “Why suddenly schemes are announced near elections? It is high time that all political stalwarts, leaders, parties and all social engineers, they need to revisit everything.”
He added: “We will be hampering the development of the nation if we keep on having this largesse distribution.”
The chief justice also said that the states should focus on long-term development plans than such elections promise, noting that some states have a revenue deficit.
“From where that money is coming?” Live Law quoted Kant as saying. “Why shouldn’t it be dedicated for development purposes?”
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