The Supreme Court on Wednesday expressed displeasure over freebie schemes announced during elections. A bench comprising Justice BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih remarked that such schemes discourage people from seeking employment as they continue to receive free ration and money. The comment came during a hearing on a petition seeking urban shelter for the homeless.
The bench observed that free schemes are hindering employment growth, stressing that while concern for the homeless is crucial, they should be integrated into the mainstream workforce for national development.
Attorney General R Venkataramani, representing the Central Government, informed the court that a new urban housing scheme is being finalized to provide shelters for the homeless. The court has directed the government to specify a timeline for its implementation and scheduled the next hearing in six weeks.
Hearing on Election Commission Appointment Law Set for February 19
The Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for February 19 on a petition challenging the new law regarding the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners. A bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice N Kotiswar Singh announced the date following a request for urgent hearing by advocate Prashant Bhushan on behalf of NGO ADR. The urgency arises as a new Chief Election Commissioner is expected to be appointed soon.
