Supreme Court Slams State Governments Over Freebies

On 19th February 2026, the Supreme Court criticised state governments for giving away freebies without properly distinguishing between the rich and the poor.

  • The Case:The SC bench was hearing a writ petition filed by the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd. challenging Rule 23 of the Electricity Amendment Rules, 2024.

Supreme Court’s Concern over Freebies

Priority to Welfare Measures

  • States, including those with revenue surplus, should give priority to welfare measures and development activities rather than distributing irrational freebies.
  • Even States running fiscal deficits seem to have funds to spend on such schemes without proper planning.

Focus on ....

Do You Want to Read More?
Subscribe Now
To get access to detailed content
Buy April 2026 Issue

Already a Member? Login here

Take Annual Subscription and get the following Advantage
The annual members of the Civil Services Chronicle can read the monthly content of the magazine as well as the Chronicle magazine archives.
Readers can study all the material before the last six months of the Civil Services Chronicle monthly issue in the form of Chronicle magazine archives.
Be an Annual Subscriber

Related Content

India Watch