New Delhi, July 17: The Supreme Court was on Friday urged to list for hearing a public interest litigation seeking action against political parties that promise or distribute what the petitioner describes as “irrational freebies” before elections.
Advocate and petitioner Ashwini Upadhyay requested an early hearing before a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohan.
Upadhyay told the court that notices on the petition were issued to the Centre and the Election Commission of India in 2022. He also said the matter had earlier been scheduled for hearing but remained pending.
Responding to the request, Chief Justice Surya Kant said the court was handling a heavy caseload and observed that the matter could wait. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal supported the request for an early hearing.
The petition seeks directions to the Election Commission to seize the election symbol or deregister political parties that promise or distribute “irrational freebies” before polls. Alternatively, it seeks directions to the Centre to enact a law regulating such promises.
The plea argues that promises of freebies funded through public money influence voters, affect a level playing field during elections, and compromise the fairness of the electoral process.
It also seeks amendments to the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968, to make refraining from promising or distributing irrational freebies a condition for recognition as a political party.
The petition further contends that such promises violate constitutional provisions, including Article 14, and raises concerns over the increasing use of public funds for electoral promises.
The matter remains pending before the Supreme Court. (Maxim News)
