‘Are we not creating a class of parasites?’: Supreme Court slams freebie culture, says people not willing to work Advocate Prashant Bhushan sought to explain that the counsel had submitted so as some of the shelters were removed for the beautification of the area.;-The Indian Express

 

Justice Gavai took exception to the submission that compassion is only for the rich, and cautioned him not to make political speeches. (File Photo)

The Supreme Court Wednesday came down heavily on governments and political parties announcing freebies ahead of elections, and said it is disincentivising people from working and in states like Maharashtra, drying up the labour force.

A bench of Justice B R Gavai and A G Masih was hearing a plea regarding shelter homes for the homeless when a counsel submitted that the policies are only designed for the rich. “Main victims are the have-nots, the poor people, the homeless. Unfortunately, the cause of the homelessness is not addressed. That’s the least priority in this country. Compassion, I am sorry to say, is only for the rich and not for the poor,” the counsel submitted.

Justice Gavai took exception to the submission that compassion is only for the rich, and cautioned him not to make political speeches. “Don’t make a speech (like) at Ram Lila maidan in this court. In court, restrict yourself to the argument. If you are espousing the cause of someone, restrict it (to that). Don’t make unnecessary allegations. Don’t make a political speech here. We will not allow our court hall to be converted into a political platform,” said Justice Gavai.The counsel said, “That was not my intent. I didn’t mean that.” Justice Gavai then asked the counsel, “How do you say compassion is shown only for the rich?”

Advocate Prashant Bhushan sought to explain that the counsel had submitted so as some of the shelters were removed for the beautification of the area.

The court, however, pointed out that the counsel for the Delhi government had informed that the shelters were in a dilapidated state. Justice Gavai said an affidavit filed in the matter states about the facilities to be provided and remarked, “So, rather than promoting them to be a part of the mainstream of society by contributing to the development of the nation, are we not creating a class of parasites?”

“Unfortunately, because of these freebies, which come on the anvil of the elections… some Ladli Behen and some other scheme, people are not willing to work. They are getting free ration, they are getting amount without any work, why should they (work)!” Justice Gavai added.

As Bhushan tried to intervene, Justice Gavai said, “We appreciate your concern for them, but wouldn’t a better way to make them part of the mainstream of the society and contribute to the development of the nation? I am telling you of the practical experiences, Because of these freebies, some states give free ration…so the people do not want to work”.

Bhushan said, “There is hardly anybody in this country who would not want to work if there is some work”. He added the very reason people come to cities is because they have no work back in their villages.

Justice Gavai however said, “You must be having only one-sided knowledge. I come from an agricultural family. Because of the freebies in Maharashtra, which were just announced prior to the elections, the agriculturalists are not getting labourers. When everybody is getting free at home, (why would they want to work)?.

Ananthakrishnan G

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Ananthakrishnan G. is a Senior Assistant Editor with The Indian Express. He has been in the field for over 23 years, kicking off his journalism career as a freelancer