Supreme Court to Hear PIL Against Freebies Ahead of Lok Sabha Elections
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the practice of political parties promising freebies during elections is set to be heard by the Supreme Court on Thursday, March 21. With the 2024 Lok Sabha elections looming on the horizon, this significant move addresses concerns about populist measures influencing voters and distorting the electoral process.
The plea, filed by lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay, contends that the distribution of freebies by political parties to gain electoral favor violates constitutional principles and undermines the integrity of democratic values. It calls for a complete ban on such practices, urging the Election Commission of India to take appropriate measures to deter them.
The PIL argues that offering irrational freebies using public funds before elections unfairly influences voters, disrupts the level playing field, and compromises the sanctity of the electoral process. It equates this trend to bribery and emphasizes the need to preserve democratic principles by avoiding such unethical practices.
Furthermore, the petition seeks a directive to the Election Commission to amend relevant regulations to prohibit political parties from promising or distributing irrational freebies. It asserts that such actions violate multiple articles of the Constitution, including Article 14, which guarantees equality before the law.
As the country gears up for the 18th Lok Sabha elections, scheduled to commence on April 19 and conclude on June 1, the Supreme Court’s consideration of this PIL underscores the importance of upholding democratic norms and ensuring fair electoral practices.
