SC to hear PIL on banning freebies in elections
India
The Supreme Court is set to hear a case in March 2026 that could shake up how political parties campaign.
The PIL, filed by lawyer Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, calls for de-registering parties that promise "irrational freebies"—think wild giveaways from public money—to win votes.
He argues these promises break constitutional rules and hurt the country's finances.
What happens if the court agrees with the PIL
If the court sides with the PIL, it could mean fewer flashy promises in election season and more focus on real issues.
The case also questions where to draw the line between helpful welfare schemes and straight-up bribes for votes—a debate that matters for anyone who cares about fair elections and how public money gets spent.