‘Are we not creating a class of parasites?’: SC criticises practice of ‘freebies’ ahead of polls

The Supreme Court on Wednesday criticised the practice of political parties announcing “freebies” ahead of elections, asking if this was “creating a class of parasites”, The Indian Express reported.

“Unfortunately, because of these freebies... the people are not willing to work,” PTI quoted Justice BR Gavai as saying. “They are getting free rations. They are getting amount without doing any work.”

“Freebies” is a term frequently used by critics of certain welfare benefits such as subsidised or free foodgrains, public transport and concessions in electricity bills.

Gavai, along with Justice Augustine George Masih, was on Wednesday hearing a public interest litigation petition about the right to shelter for homeless persons in cities.

“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 court asked.

During the hearing, Advocate Prashant Bhushan said that some shelters for homeless persons in Delhi had been removed for the purposes of “beautification”, The Indian Express reported.

However, the court said that the counsel for the Delhi government had submitted that the shelters were dilapidated.

Gavai then referred to an affidavit that listed the facilities to be provided at such shelters and remarked: “So, rather than promoting them to be a part of...

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