Overview
- A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant called the issue of pre-election freebies a matter of "paramount importance" and set it for a three-judge hearing in March.
- The petitions seek reconsideration of the 2013 S. Subramaniam Balaji judgment that held manifesto promises do not amount to corrupt practices under the Representation of the People Act.
- One PIL asks the court to permit seizure of a party’s election symbol or deregistration if it promises or distributes "irrational freebies" before polls.
- The plea also urges directives to the Election Commission to amend the Election Symbols Order or for the Centre to enact a law to curb such promises.
- Parties including AAP, DMK and Congress oppose the plea, arguing that "freebie" lacks a clear definition and that welfare measures should not be equated with corruption.