New Delhi, Feb. 19 -- The Supreme Court on Thursday raised serious concerns over the growing practice of state governments announcing freebies and subsidies, particularly in the run-up to elections, cautioning that the financial burden ultimately falls on taxpayers and may hamper long-term economic development.
A Bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant, and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, while hearing a petition by Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL) challenging Rule 23 of the Electricity (Amendment) Rules, 2024, questioned the fiscal prudence behind such largesse amid mounting revenue deficits.
"But this money which the State says it will pay now. Who will pay for it? This is taxpayers' money," Chief Jus...