New Delhi, Feb 3 (PTI) — The Delhi High Court on Monday refused to grant an urgent hearing on a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the cash-oriented "freebies" announced by political parties ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in the national capital.
A bench comprising Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela stated that the PIL would be considered in the normal course whenever it is listed, declining the request for an expedited hearing.
The plea, filed by S N Dhingra, sought urgent listing at 2 PM. However, the court questioned the urgency, remarking, "Why 2 PM? You are challenging the actions of political parties in announcing freebies. Tomorrow is the last day for electioneering, or maybe today. Whatever impact the freebies were to have has already happened." The bench reiterated that the case would be listed as per the standing order without commenting on its merits.
Dhingra, representing the organization Samay Yaan (Sashakt Samaj), contended that these election promises violated Supreme Court directives and compromised the fairness of the electoral process. His petition specifically challenged schemes such as the Aam Aadmi Party’s Mukhyamantri Mahila Samman Yojana, the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Mahila Samridhi Yojana, and the Congress’ Pyari Didi Yojana, all of which pledge direct cash benefits to women after the elections.
The plea argued that such financial incentives amounted to bribery and sought a judicial declaration deeming them unconstitutional and a form of "election manipulation." It also raised concerns over the alleged collection of personal voter data for implementing these schemes, urging the court to direct political parties to cease such practices.
Despite a second attempt to secure an early hearing in the post-lunch session, a senior counsel’s request to list the matter on February 4 was also denied. The bench firmly stated, "Someone made a mention in the morning. What is this? We did not accede to it."
Delhi is set to vote on February 5, with election results expected on February 8.
