SC to Hear PIL Against “Irrational Freebies” Promised by Political Parties Ahead of Elections in March

New Delhi: The Supreme Court is set to hear a public interest litigation (PIL) in March challenging the practice of political parties promising “irrational freebies” ahead of elections. The PIL, pending since 2022, seeks measures including cancellation of party registrations or seizure of election symbols for parties making such promises.

During Thursday’s hearing, the bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Sunya Kant and comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi agreed to list the matter in March. Advocate Ashwini Upadhyay, appearing for the petitioner, told the court that notices had been issued to the Union Government and the Election Commission in 2022, urging prompt hearing of the case.

Upadhyay remarked, “Except for promising the sun and the moon, political parties promise everything during elections, which amounts to corrupt conduct.” CJI Sunya Kant observed, “This is an important issue. Please remind us of it, and we will list it in March.”

The PIL highlights that election freebies often exceed regular budget allocations, influence voters unfairly, distort the level playing field, and undermine the sanctity of the electoral process. It also calls on the government to frame laws curbing such practices, stating that using public funds for voter inducements is not only unethical but also violates democratic principles and constitutional values.