Supreme Court Issues Stern Warning on Free Electricity Promises
The Supreme Court of India delivered a strong rebuke on Thursday, criticizing the Tamil Nadu electricity board for its promise of free electricity to consumers regardless of their financial standing. The apex court issued formal notices to the Central government and other concerned parties in response to a plea from the DMK-led state government that seeks to implement this free electricity provision.
Bench Condemns Culture of Freebies
A constitutional bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant expressed serious concerns about the growing culture of freebies being adopted by various states and political parties across the nation. The bench emphasized that such practices significantly hamper economic development and create unsustainable financial burdens.
"The economic development of the nation will be hampered with this kind of largesse distribution," Chief Justice Surya Kant observed during the proceedings. "Yes, it is the State's duty to provide. But the ones who are enjoying freebies... is it not something that should be looked at?"
Questioning the Financial Sustainability
The Chief Justice raised pointed questions about the financial implications of such schemes, noting that most Indian states already operate with revenue deficits. He highlighted the contradiction between offering generous freebies while simultaneously overlooking crucial development projects.
"We know states where there is free electricity even if you are a big landlord... you keep lights on, machines on, etc.," Justice Kant remarked. "If you want to have a facility, you pay for it. But this money which the state says it will pay now... Who will pay for it? This is the tax money."
Election-Time Welfare Schemes Under Scrutiny
The court specifically addressed the timing of such welfare announcements, expressing awareness of what transpired in some states during recent elections where significant welfare schemes were suddenly unveiled just before polling.
"We are not on Tamil Nadu context only," clarified the Chief Justice. "We are on the fact that why are schemes being announced just before elections. All political parties, sociologists need to revisit ideology. How long will this continue?"
A Nationwide Concern
Justice Joymalya Bagchi, who was also part of the bench, emphasized that the issue extends far beyond any single state. "It's not one State we are talking about, it's about all States," he stated. "It is planned expenditure. Why don't you make Budget proposals and give justification that this is my outlay on unemployment of people?"
The bench made it clear that their concerns encompass all states across the country, not just Tamil Nadu. They questioned the rationale behind announcing substantial welfare schemes immediately before elections without proper budgetary planning or economic justification.
The court's observations highlight growing judicial concern about the long-term economic consequences of populist measures that may provide short-term political benefits but potentially undermine fiscal responsibility and sustainable development.
