Supreme Court to Hear Case on Banning Political Freebies Ahead of Lok Sabha Elections

On Thursday, March 21, the Supreme Court is set to hear a significant case against the trend of political parties promising gifts, or ‘freebies,’ to voters during election time. This hearing is especially crucial as it comes just before the start of the Lok Sabha elections on April 19, 2024. The case pertains to the ban on political freebies, highlighting concerns over their impact on electoral integrity and fairness.

The Supreme Court hearing Lok Sabha polls involves a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenge to the fairness of political parties promising freebies. The PIL argues that such promises unfairly sway voters, potentially disrupting election fairness and violating constitutional principles. Reports from ANI indicate calls for the Election Commission of India to take strict action against this practice.

This action by the Supreme Court comes in the wake of senior advocate Vijay Hansaria, representing petitioner Ashwini Upadhyay, highlighting the critical need to tackle the issue of legal action against election freebies before the upcoming elections.

The PIL makes a strong case, stating that the practice of offering freebies is similar to bribing voters with government funds, which threatens democratic values and violates the Constitution. It emphasises the significant impact of freebies on election campaigns, raising concerns about fairness, integrity, and the sanctity of the democratic process.

The petitioner urges the Supreme Court to officially declare promises of freebies as an undue influence on voters and a violation of fair election practices. Additionally, the PIL recommends that the Election Commission institute a new rule to prohibit political parties and freebie culture from making such promises before elections.