SC deprecates pre-election freebies, says it's creating 'class of parasites'
What's the story
The Supreme Court has disapproved of the practice of announcing freebies before elections.
The bench, comprising Justices BR Gavai and Augustine George Masih, noted that such practices dissuade people from working.
"By not making these people part of mainstream society, are we not creating a class of parasites? Because of freebies, when elections are declared...people are not willing to work. They are getting free rations," Justice Gavai said during a hearing on the right to shelter for urban homeless.
Proposed solution
SC proposes integration of homeless into mainstream society
The Supreme Court bench opined a better way would be to bring the homeless into the mainstream.
This way they could contribute to the national development rather than depend on freebies, it said.
"We quite appreciate your concern for them, but would it not be better to make them a part of the mainstream of society and permit them to contribute to the development of the nation," the bench said.
Poverty alleviation
Government's urban poverty alleviation mission discussed in court
During the hearing, Attorney General R Venkataramani told the court that the government was working to finalize an urban poverty alleviation mission.
This mission will address several issues, including providing shelter for the urban homeless.
The bench asked then the Centre to provide a timeline on when this mission will be implemented, noting that it could have a significant impact on integrating homeless individuals into society.
The Supreme Court has listed a further hearing on this matter after six weeks.