SC on freebies in manifestos; says, against free and fair polls

Freebies from political parties in their election manifestos puts question on free and fair polls, the Supreme Court on Friday said and directed the Election Commission to frame guidelines for regulating contents of manifestos.

The judgement can have wide impact and can put a control on political parties promising different types of freebies like distributing laptops, TVs, grinders and mixers, electric fans, four gram gold thali and free foodgrains if voted to power.

It said freebies promised by political parties disturb the level playing field among players contesting the polls and vitiates the election process.