The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Central Government and the Election Commission (EC) in response to a fresh petition challenging the practice of political parties offering freebies during election campaigns. This move comes after Bengaluru resident Shashank J Sridhar filed a petition through Justice Srinivasan. Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, along with Justices J B Pardeewala and Manoj Mishra, has sought the governments response. The petition also urges the EC to implement measures to curb political parties from making pre-poll promises of freebies.Concerns over financial burdenThe petition emphasizes the significant financial strain that these freebie promises place on the public exchequer. It highlights the lack of a reliable mechanism to ensure that such promises are fulfilled, leading to an unpredictable economic burden on the state. The case has now been grouped with similar petitions previously pending before the court.Call for ban on populist promisesThis is not the first time the Supreme Court has taken up the issue. A prior petition filed by advocate Ashwini Upadhyay sought a complete ban on populist measures, arguing that such promises disrupt the level playing field in elections. Upadhyay contended that these practices violate constitutional principles by unfairly influencing voter behavior. The applicant also called on the EC to take strict action against political parties making such commitments.Proposed reforms to election rulesThe petition further proposes that the Election Symbols (Reservation and Allocation) Order of 1968 be amended. The suggested change would prevent political parties from distributing or promising undue freebies funded by public money during elections. The petition claims that such practices contravene constitutional provisions like Article 14 and erode democratic values by distorting electoral competition.
