Three-Judge SC bench to hear case of freebies promised by political parties

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday referred the freebies case to a three-judge bench while saying that the issue of freebies promised by the political parties during election campaigns requires extensive debate.

A bench of Chief Justice NV Ramana, Justices Hima Kohli and CT Ravikumar said looking at the "complexity" of the freebies issues, the case is referred to a three-judge bench.

The apex court while referring the matter to a three-judge bench said that it's 2013 judgment in the Subramaniam Balaji v/s government of Tamil Nadu case on the same issue might need reconsideration.

"The issues raised by parties require an extensive hearing. Certain preliminary hearings need to be determined, such as what is the scope of judicial intervention, whether the appointment of an expert body by the court serves any purpose, etc. Many parties also submitted that judgment in the Subramaniam Balaji case requires reconsideration. The Court in the said case held such practices would not amount to corrupt practices. Looking at the complexity of issues and the prayer to overrule Subramaniam Balaji case, we refer the matters to a three-judge bench," the bench stated in its order.

The top court's order came on a batch of pleas against freebies promised by political parties.

Also Read | SC asks Centre to find a way to curb promises of freebies by political parties

Earlier, the top court had asked the Centre why it cannot call for an all-party meeting to determine issues relating to the promise of freebies during election campaigns. (with ANI inputs)

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