Supreme Court questions states’ “freebies” policies amid fiscal stress The observations came as the Supreme Court took note of a plea by Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd, which has proposed to provide free electricity to all consumers irrespective of their financial status. "Most of the states in the country are revenue-deficient states, and yet they are offering such freebies", overlooking development, the bench said. The bench said states should work to create employment opportunities rather than providing free food, cycles, and electricity to all. 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 CJI asked. The Supreme Court, however, issued notice to the Centre and others on the petition.

Source: Mint February 19, 2026 08:27 UTC