Supreme Court slams ‘freebies culture’, says no money left for development

The Supreme Court of India has expressed serious concerns regarding the increasing culture of 'freebies' in political campaigning, asserting that such practices jeopardize the nation's economic stability and development. During a recent hearing, the court highlighted that the excessive distribution of free goods and services by political parties strains financial resources, leaving insufficient funds for essential developmental projects. The bench directed the Election Commission to submit compliance affidavits, emphasizing the necessity for transparency and accountability in the electoral process. The court's remarks underline the urgent need to balance welfare initiatives with prudent fiscal management to ensure that developmental objectives are not compromised. This ruling comes amid growing debates on the implications of populist measures on governance and sustainable economic growth in India. The Supreme Court's stance is a pivotal step towards addressing the challenges posed by the freebies culture, which many believe undermines the electoral integrity and long-term progress of the country.