SC slams freebies culture, says States should provide employment

The Supreme Court on Thursday (February 16, 2026) slammed the freebies culture, saying it was high time to revisit such policies that hamper the country’s economic development.

Taking note of the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited’s plea, which proposed to provide free electricity to all irrespective of financial status of consumers, the top court said it was quite understandable if States hand-hold the poor.

“Most of the States in the country are revenue-deficit States and yet they are offering such freebies, overlooking development,” a Bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi said.

The Bench said economic development of the nation gets hampered with this kind of largesse distribution and States should work to open avenues for employment instead of giving free food, cycles, electricity to all.

The top court, however, issued notice to Centre and others on the plea of the DMK government-led power distribution firm which proposes to provide free electricity.

The power firm has challenged a rule of the Electricity Amendment Rules, 2024.

“What kind of culture are we developing in India? It is understandable that as part of the welfare measure you want to provide to those who are incapable of pay the electricity charges,” the Bench said.

“But without drawing a distinction between those who can afford and those who cannot, you start distributing. Will it not amount to an appeasing policy,” the Chief Justice asked.

The Bench asked why the Tamil Nadu firm suddenly decided to loosen the purse strings after the electricity tariff was notified.

“The States should work to open avenues for employment. If you start giving free food from morning to evening then free cycle, then free electricity then who will work and then what will happen to the work culture,” the Chief Justice said.

The Bench said States, instead of spending on development projects, do two jobs – paying salaries and distributing such largesse.