New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday pulled up the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board for promising free electricity to consumers irrespective of their financial status.The Supreme Court issued a notice to the Center and others on a plea by the DMK government proposing to provide free electricity. A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has criticized the culture of freebies adopted by states and political parties, saying it hampers economic development.The Supreme Court added that most states in the country are suffering from revenue deficit but are giving such freebies while ignoring development.“The nation’s economic development will be hampered by this kind of distribution of largesse. Yes, it is the state’s duty to provide that.
But those who enjoy it for free…isn’t that something to look into?” Chief Justice of India Surya Kant observed orally.“We know states where you have free electricity even if you are a large property owner, keep the lights on, keep the machines running, etc. And if you want to have a facility, you pay for it,” he said. “But this money that the state says it will pay now… who is going to pay for it? This is tax money.”The court said it was aware of what happened in some states in the recent elections, where social welfare plans were suddenly announced just before the elections.
The court explained that the issue is not limited to one state, but rather to all states in the country.“We are not talking about the Tamil Nadu context only. We are really aware of why schemes are being announced just before elections. All political parties and social scientists need to reconsider the ideology. How long will this continue?” The CJI said.Judge Joymalia Bagchi added: “We are not talking about one state, we are talking about all states. These are planned expenditures. Why don’t you submit budget proposals and justify that this is my spending on unemployment among people.”
