Supreme Court To Snr. Advocate Prashant Bhushan: "Is India Still Carrying 'Poor Country' Tag"

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Today, On 30th April, The Supreme Court asked, “Is India still carrying the ‘poor country’ tag?” during a hearing where advocate Prashant Bhushan said former Chief Economists have stated that poverty is increasing in the country.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court questioned advocate Prashant Bhushan about whether India is still considered a poor country.

A Bench consisting of Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh raised the question when Bhushan presented data indicating that poverty levels in India have risen since 2011.

Also Read: Senior Advocate Prashant Bhushan on Judicial Appointments Amid Justice Varma Controversy: ‘Govt. Trying to Take Control’

The Bench inquired,

“Mr. Bhushan, 2011, now we are 2025. Are we still carrying the tag of poor? Are we still on the premise that this country hasn’t progressed? What is troubling us is that in 2011, 70% of people were poor, now it has increased to perhaps 80%?”

Bhushan responded that it wasn’t his personal assertion, but that even former Chief Economists have stated that poverty is on the rise.

This exchange occurred during the Court’s hearing of a suo motu petition initiated in 2020 concerning the welfare of migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.

Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati, representing the Central government, argued that the directions issued by the Supreme Court have been followed.

Also Read: Supreme Court Criticizes Advocate Prashant Bhushan for Misrepresenting Personal Case as Public Interest Litigation

Bhushan highlighted several issues with the welfare scheme for migrants.

However, the Court stated that the case would be heard on the next scheduled date due to a special bench matter in the post-lunch session.

This discussion highlights the ongoing debate about India’s economic status and the effectiveness of policies aimed at poverty relief. The Supreme Court’s inquiry brings attention to the need for a comprehensive assessment of the nation’s socio-economic indicators.

Also Read: VVPAT | “We Can’t Control Polls”: SC Slams Prashant Bhushan

This question is important because India has been claiming its place on the global stage as one of the fastest-growing economies, and even recently overtook the UK to become the world’s fifth-largest economy.

However, economic growth alone does not reflect the condition of the common citizen especially the poor, marginalised and vulnerable groups.