Supreme Court Slams Freebies Culture, Asks “What Kind of Culture Are We Developing?”
New Delhi, February 19, 2026: The Supreme Court expressed strong concern over the proliferation of free schemes in India, warning that such policies could undermine economic growth and create a culture of dependency. During Thursday’s hearing, a bench led by Chief Justice Suryakant questioned the logic of providing free electricity, food, and other benefits without distinguishing between those who can pay and those who cannot.
Bench Criticizes Blanket Freebies
The matter came up during a petition filed by Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDC), which proposed supplying free electricity to all consumers, regardless of financial capacity. The bench, comprising CJI Suryakant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi, raised concerns about the financial p...









