India, Feb. 19 -- The Supreme Court on Thursday strongly criticised political parties across states for distributing "freebies" and raised concerns about their impact on public finances. The apex court said that instead of handing out resources through such schemes, parties should introduce planned policies that provide measures to improve people's lives, such as unemployment schemes.

"The economic development of the nation will be hampered with this kind of largesse distribution Yes, it is the State's duty to provide. But the ones who are enjoying freebies.. is it not something that should be looked at?" Chief Justice of India Surya Kant verbally observed.

The CJI added, "States are running into deficit but still giving freebies. See, ...