SC Asks Centre, ECI To Respond To Plea Seeking Direction To Call Pre-Poll Freebies As Bribes

New Delhi: The Supreme Court issued a notice to the Election Commission and the Union government on a plea that seeks direction to redefine pre-poll promises of freebies by political parties as bribery. The apex court has sought replies from both the Centre and the ECI.

The plea was championed by Bengaluru resident Shashank J Sreedhara.  The plea emphasized that such electoral practices not only impose a heavy financial burden on the state but also corrupt the essence of free and fair elections, reported the lawtrend.

The petitioner is being represented by advocate Balaji Srinivasan. In his plea, the petitioner has argued that unchecked electoral promises lead to irresponsible fiscal policies and obscure the transparency required in a democratic state.

The plea is being heard by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra. The petitioner has also highlighted the failure of 2014 Model Code of Conduct in effectively regulating the promises made during election campaigns.

The petition also highlights the previous Supreme Court rulings. It cites the example of ruling in the S. Subramaniam Balaji case and emphasizes the need for a stricter interpretation of the Representation of People Act, 1951. According to the petition, the act’s current interpretation allows candidates and their affiliates too much leeway to influence voters with gifts and promises without accountability, reported lawtrend.