New Delhi: The bench led by Chief Justice NV Ramana has ordered that we are transferring the case to a 3-judge bench headed by Justice DY Chandrachud to discuss the case seeking ban on election-time freebies in detail.
The case filed by BJP lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay in the Supreme Court, seeking a ban on political parties announcing freebies during elections, came up for hearing again yesterday in a session presided over by Chief Justice NV Ramana.
At that time, the lawyers demanded that “if the Supreme Court decides to set up a commission or committee to investigate and report on issues related to election time freebies, it should be set up under the leadership of former judge RM Lodha.”
To that, the Chief Justice said, “Not only the freebies announced during the election, but also the freebies announced after the election should be considered.”
Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi then said, “There will be no confusion in the court interfering in the free matters announced before the elections. But the court’s interference in matters related to free and welfare schemes announced after the formation of the government after the election is not only a complicated issue. It is also dangerous” he said.
Senior lawyer Kapil Sibal said, “Even if a commission or committee is set up to investigate election-time freebies, political parties will oppose it. A deep and long discussion is needed to reach a decision on this issue,” he said.
Various states protested
At that time, the Chief Justice said, “Various states have already objected to the formation of a committee regarding the restriction of exemptions. This is a serious matter as such free announcements can severely affect the economy. Because those who are opposition today may come to power tomorrow. Such visitors should also manage the freebies.
Free announcements that can destroy the economy must be avoided. Therefore, the central government may set up a committee to investigate the matter. Or we can hold an all-party meeting and reach a decision,” he suggested.
Also, “Fancy free notifications are a serious issue. We want a solution to this issue,” he said.
Union Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said, “Some political parties claim free announcements as a fundamental right. Free announcements have heavy economic consequences. “Political parties seek to take power with a declaration of free,” he said.
After listening to the opinions of all parties, the Chief Justice said, “It is necessary to discuss and decide on this in detail. Therefore, we are transferring this case to a 3-judge bench headed by TY Chandrachud.
