'Who will pay for it?': SC raps Tamil Nadu govt for promising free electricity; flags 'freebie' politics

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday pulled up Tamil Nadu electricity board for promising free electricity to consumers irrespective of their financial status.The apex court issued notice to the Centre and others on plea of DMK government which proposes to provide free electricity. A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant slammed freebies culture adopted by states and political parties, saying that it hampers economic development.The apex court added that most states in the country are revenue deficit but offering such freebies while overlooking development. “The economic development of the nation will be hampered with this kind of largesse distribution Yes, it is the State’s duty to provide. But the ones who are enjoying freebies.. is it not something that should be looked at?” Chief Justice of India Surya Kant verbally observed."We know states where there is free electricity even if you are big landlord.. you keep lights on..machines on etc. If you want to have a facility you pay for it. But this money which state says will pay now... Who will pay for it? This is the tax money," he said.The court said that it is aware of what happened in some states in the recent elections, where welfare schemes were suddenly announced just ahead of the elections.The Court clarified that the issue was not confined to any one State but all States in the country."We are not on Tamil Nadu context only. We are on the fact that why are schemes being announced just before elections. All political parties, sociologists need to revisit ideology. How long will this continue?" CJI said.“It’s not one State we are talking about, it’s about all States. It is planned expenditure. Why don’t you make Budget proposals and give justification that this is my outlay on unemployment of people,” Justice Joymalya Bagchi added.