Concern over freebies (Rewari culture) in Indian politics has recently been expressed by those in the highest offices in the country.
As per Article 282, the Union or a State may make any grants for any public purpose.
The Supreme Court, in S. Subramaniam Balaji vs Government of Tamil Nadu (2013) held that as long as public funds were spent based on appropriations cleared by the legislature, they could neither be declared illegal, nor the promise of such items be termed a ‘corrupt practice’.
N.K. Singh, the chairperson of the 15th Finance Commission warned about how the race to provide freebies to voters could be a quick path to fiscal disaster.
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