New Delhi, Feb 12 (Reporter) In a significant observation, the Supreme Court on Wednesday expressed concern over the growing trend of political parties announcing "freebies" ahead of elections. A bench comprising Justice B R Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih questioned whether such policies were fostering dependence rather than integrating individuals into the national mainstream for development. "Rather than promoting them to be a part of the mainstream of society by contributing to the development of the nation, are we not creating a class of parasites?" Justice Gavai remarked during the proceedings. The court was hearing a matter concerning the right to shelter for urban homeless persons when the issue of government schemes distributing free rations and financial assistance without work was brought up. Justice Gavai noted that such handouts, especially those declared just before elections, discouraged people from seeking employment. "Because of these freebies, which are announced on the anvil of elections, people are not willing to work," he added, referring to various government schemes such as 'Ladli Bahin' and others. Senior Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for one of the petitioners, countered the argument, stating that there were hardly any individuals unwilling to work if employment opportunities were available. Justice Gavai, however, drew from personal experience, stating, "I come from an agricultural family. Because of the freebies announced in Maharashtra before elections, agriculturists are struggling to find labourers." The court, however, refrained from engaging in a larger debate on the matter. It clarified that while shelter for the homeless remained a pressing issue, a balance needed to be maintained between welfare and self-reliance. Attorney General R. Venkataramani informed the bench that the Union Government had introduced the National Urban Livelihoods Mission to address urban poverty and homelessness, and was in the process of finalizing an Urban Poverty Alleviation Mission. Bhushan, Meanwhile, presented data indicating a lack of sufficient funding for urban shelter schemes. "The government has stopped funding urban shelters in the last few years, leaving states without resources to provide adequate accommodation. As a result, more than 750 homeless people died this winter due to the cold," he stated. Highlighting the disparity in shelter capacity, Bhushan pointed out that while Delhi has around 3 lakh homeless individuals, only 1,995 out of the sanctioned 2,557 shelters are currently functional. Justice Gavai questioned, "Between an uninhabitable shelter and sleeping on the road, what is preferable?" Bhushan responded by emphasizing the "abominable" conditions of many shelters, stating that while a well-maintained facility existed in Geeta Colony, its total capacity with beds was just 5,900. Advocate Devadatt Kamat, representing the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), refuted allegations of widespread mismanagement, stating that out of 197 shelter homes in Delhi, the total capacity stood at 17,000, with a maximum occupancy of only 5,500 in the past four years. He also argued that while additional steps, such as setting up pagoda tents, were taken during winters, multiple factors contributed to homeless deaths, not just the cold. As the debate continued, the court emphasized that the issue should not be politicized. When a petitioner remarked that compassion was reserved for the rich, the bench took objection. "Don't make political speeches here. We won’t permit our courtrooms to become political platforms," Justice Gavai warned. In its interim order, the Supreme Court directed Attorney General Venkataramani to gather data from the relevant Ministry to confirm the accuracy of figures on urban homelessness. The bench further requested the Union Government to provide details on the implementation timeline of the upcoming Urban Poverty Alleviation Mission and to ensure continued support under the National Urban Livelihoods Mission until the new scheme is in place. The Supreme Court said it will review the matter further, as there is an urgent need for a structured and sustainable solution to address urban homelessness while evaluating the impact of election-time freebies on society...////...