High Court Declines Plea on Political Freebies Ahead of Elections

The Delhi High Court has declined a plea challenging political freebies, noting the Supreme Court's ongoing examination of the issue. The retired judge's petition argued that schemes providing cash incentives by political parties amounted to corrupt practices, urging their classification as unconstitutional election manipulation.

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday refused to entertain a plea against political parties' 'freebies' and cash-oriented schemes concerning elections, citing that a similar matter is already under the Supreme Court's consideration.

A bench, comprising Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, advised the petitioner, a former judge, to approach the apex court tackling the issue of electoral freebies and potential corrupt practices associated with them.

The petitioner, ex-Delhi High Court judge S N Dhingra, claimed these schemes violated election laws by functioning as bribes under the guise of welfare schemes. The plea called for a declaration deeming such practices unconstitutional.

(With inputs from agencies.)