In a pointed observation before the forthcoming Delhi Assembly elections, the Supreme Court on Monday criticized state governments for distributing funds for electoral freebies while overlooking the payments of judges’ salaries and pensions.
A bench made up of Justices BR Gavai and AG Masih was discussing a petition from the All India Judges Association, which highlighted worries about insufficient salaries and retirement benefits for justices in the nation.
Referencing recent instances, the court highlighted Maharashtra’s ‘Ladki Bahin’ initiative launched by the BJP-led Mahayuti and comparable monetary pledges made by AAP and Congress in Delhi to secure electoral victory.
“States frequently mention budget limitations when discussing compensation for judges.” “Nonetheless, in the election period, we observe the declaration of giveaways such as the ‘Ladki Bahin’ program and comparable financial commitments from political parties in Delhi, where pledges to provide Rs 2,100 or Rs 2,500 are presented to achieve electoral success,” the bench remarked.
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The governing Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has declared the initiation of the “Mukhya Mantri Mahila Samman Yojana”, offering a monthly support of Rs 2,100 to women if the Arvind Kejriwal-led party wins a third consecutive term in Delhi.
To combat the AAP, the Delhi Congress also revealed a comparable program, promising to provide women in Delhi with monthly aid of Rs 2,500 if elected in the forthcoming Assembly elections.
Elections for 70 assembly seats in Delhi will be conducted in one phase on February 5. Vote counting will occur on February 8. The final date for submitting nominations is January 17, and the examination of nominations will occur by January 18.
