India, Feb. 20 -- The Supreme Court on Thursday launched a scathing critique of the growing culture of "freebies" across states, warning that indiscriminate distribution of largesse is hampering nation building, as it pulled up the Tamil Nadu government over its policy of distributing free electricity.

Hearing a challenge by the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd (TNPDCL) to a 2024 amendment in the electricity law, the bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant questioned whether states were prioritising short-term political appeasement over long-term infrastructure development, and warned that indiscriminate largesse funded by taxpayers could undermine fiscal discipline and economic stability. The comments come just weeks...