The apex court bench of Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih was hearing a matter concerning the right to shelter of homeless persons in urban areas when they stated this.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday condemned the practice of announcing freebies ahead of elections by the political parties and stated that it is one of the reasons why citizens are refusing to work hard in life as they are getting free ration and money.
The apex court bench of Justices B R Gavai and Augustine George Masih was hearing a matter concerning the right to shelter of homeless persons in urban areas when they stated this.
Justice Gavai during the hearing reportedly said, “Don’t make a speech (like) at Ram Lila maidan in this court. In court, restrict yourself to the argument. If you are espousing the cause of someone, restrict it (to that). Don’t make unnecessary allegations. Don’t make a political speech here. We will not allow our court hall to be converted into a political platform"
Further Gavai stated, "Unfortunately, because of these freebies, which come on the anvil of the elections… some Ladli Behen and some other scheme, people are not willing to work. They are getting free ration, they are getting amount without any work, why should they (work)!"
“We appreciate your concern for them, but wouldn’t a better way to make them part of the mainstream of the society and contribute to the development of the nation? I am telling you of the practical experiences, Because of these freebies, some states give free ration…so the people do not want to work," the bench added.
Advocate Prashant Bhushan said, “There is hardly anybody in this country who would not want to work if there is some work”.
According to PTI, Attorney General R Venkataramani told the bench that the Centre 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 Centre as to within how much time the urban poverty alleviation mission would be made applicable.
The top court posted the matter for hearing after six weeks.
Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court on Wednesday refused to examine a plea against "freebies" and cash-oriented schemes by political parties ahead of elections, noting the Supreme Court was already hearing a similar issue.
A bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela asked the petitioner, a retired judge, to move the apex court which is hearing the matter on two aspects -- distribution of freebies to voters and if it amounted to corrupt practices.