The bench said “Unfortunately, because of these freebies… the people are not willing to work. They are getting free rations. They are getting amount without doing any work,”
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India, in a hearing held on Wednesday (12th Feb), criticized the practice of announcing freebies before elections, stating that it was affecting people’s willingness to work. The Court observed that due to receiving free rations and money, many people were not motivated to work.
The bench, consisting of Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih, was hearing a case regarding the right to shelter for homeless individuals in urban areas.
“Unfortunately, because of these freebies… the people are not willing to work. They are getting free rations. They are getting amount without doing any work,”
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Justice Gavai remarked during the proceedings.
The bench also expressed concern about the situation, asking, “We quite appreciate your concern for them but would it not be better to make them a part of the mainstream of society and permit them to contribute to the development of the nation?”
In response, Attorney General R Venkataramani informed the Court that the government was in the process of finalizing the Urban Poverty Alleviation Mission, which aims to address various issues, including providing shelter for homeless individuals in cities.
The bench, taking note of the development, directed the Attorney General to confirm with the Centre on the expected timeline for the implementation of the urban poverty alleviation mission.
The case was adjourned for six weeks to allow time for the Centre’s response.
Case Title:
E.R. Kumar v. Union of India | Writ Petition (Civil) No. 55 of 2003
