Legislation barring parties from offering freebies not advisable: SC

Court protests media leak of Election Commission's affidavit in the matter

Legislation barring political parties from offering voters freebies is not advisable and to de-register them for making such promises would be "anti-democratic", said the Supreme Court on Thursday as it protested the Election Commission’s affidavit in the matter being leaked to the media.

The court said the economy is losing money but people’s welfare has to be balanced. “That's why there is a need for this debate and there must be someone to put thoughts to this vision,” it said. 

The Supreme Court, while hearing a petition, had a week ago suggested setting up an expert committee "to take a