In a sharp observation ahead of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, the Supreme Court on Wednesday hit out at state governments, questioning speedy allocation of funds for the elections but neglecting the salaries and pension of judges.
A bench comprising Justice BR Gavai and Justice AG Masih, were hearing the matter put forward by the All India Judges Association, which raised concerns regarding the delay in transferring salaries and pensions to the justices of the country.
The bench, highlighted the ‘Ladki Bahin’ scheme of Maharashta announced by the BJP led Mahayuti, in the state and similar kinds of schemes announced by the Aam Admi Party and Congress in Delhi ahead of elections.
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The bench noted, “When it comes to paying judges, states often cite financial constraints. However, during elections, we see announcements of freebies like the ‘ladki Bahin’ initiative and similar financial promises made by political parties in Delhi, where assurances of paying Rs 2,100 or Rs 2,500 are made to win election”.
Party’s schemes – a tool for vote propaganda
The Supreme Court’s observation comes at a time when the Aam Admi Party has announced the ‘Mukhya Mantri Mahila Samman Yojana’ which would give the women electors, the assurance of giving a monthly stipend of Rs 2,100 if at all the party secure a winning position in Delhi. On the contrary, Congress too announced ‘Pyari Didi’, scheme ahead of Delhi, promising the women counterpart, with Rs 2,500 stipend per month if Congress wins the Delhi elections.
