New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday (February 12) observed that because of freebies prior to elections, people are getting rations without doing any work and they are not willing to work.
A bench comprising Justice BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking mechanism to ensure shelter to homeless persons in urban areas.
People are getting free rations without doing any work, apex court observed
“Unfortunately, because of these freebies… the people are not willing to work. They are getting free rations. They are getting free rations without doing any work,” Justice Gavai observed.
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The bench further asked would it not be better to make them a part of the mainstream of society so that they contribute to the development of the nation.
“We quite appreciate your concern for them but would it not be better to make them a part of the mainstream of society so that they can contribute to the development of the nation,” the bench said.
What did the Centre say?
Attorney General R Venkataramani told the court that the central government was in the process of finalising the urban poverty alleviation mission, which would address various issues, including the provision of shelter for the urban homeless.
The bench asked the Attorney General to verify from the central government as to within how much time the urban poverty alleviation mission would be applicable and also place on record the various aspects that would be covered by the urban poverty alleviation mission.
The court posted the matter for further hearing after six weeks.
Delhi High Court refuses to examine a plea against freebies
In a related matter, the Delhi High Court refused to hear a plea filed by former High Court judge SN Dhingra against freebies and cash-oriented schemes offered by the political parties ahead of elections, saying the top court was already hearing a similar issue and there couldn’t be parallel litigations on one issue.
