SC wants political parties to suggest how to regulate 'freebie culture'

Govt says freebies inevitably lead to economic disaster

The Supreme Court (SC) said on Wednesday that the Centre should take the opinion of stakeholders like the NITI Aayog, Finance Commission, Reserve Bank of India, Law Commission of India, and the Election Commission to come up with “constructive suggestions” to address the issue of irrational freebies.

The government, on the other hand, told the court that the distribution of freebies inevitably leads to “future economic disaster”. It was in response to a petition against the so-called ‘freebies’ culture in the country, particularly during elections.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the government, said, “Populist schemes distort the decision-making of voters. This