New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Central government to take a stand on the need to control the issue of political parties promising to distribute irrational freebies from public funds during election campaigns.
A bench of Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, Justices Krishna Murari and Hima Kohli asked the Centre to consider whether the suggestions of the Finance Commission can be sought for a solution.
During the hearing, CJI sought the opinion of senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who was present in court for some other matter, on freebies by political parties during the election campaign.
"Mr Sibal is here. As a senior parliamentarian. What is your view?" CJI asked.
"It's a serious issue but difficult to control politically. The Finance Commission when it does allocation to various states, they can take into account the debt of the state and the quantum of freebies. The Finance Commission is the appropriate authority to deal with it. Maybe we can invite the Commission to look into this aspect. The Centre cannot be expected to issue directions," Sibal said.
The bench then asked Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj, appearing for the Central government, to seek Commission's view on Sibal's suggestions.
"Mr Nataraj, please ask Finance Commission to look into this. Please see how a debate can be initiated," said the bench while posting it for hearing on August 3.
The top court was hearing a plea seeking direction to seize election symbols and deregister political parties that promised to distribute irrational freebies from public funds.
