Updated On: 20 February, 2026 09:30 AM IST | New Delhi | Agencies
The Supreme Court has criticised the growing freebies culture, observing that blanket subsidy schemes could hamper economic development. Hearing a plea related to free electricity in Tamil Nadu, the bench said states must balance welfare measures with fiscal responsibility

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The Supreme Court on Thursday slammed the freebies culture, saying it was high time to revisit such policies that hamper the country’s economic development.
Taking note of the Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd’s plea, which proposed to provide free electricity to all irrespective of financial status of consumers, the top court said it was quite understandable if states hand-hold the poor.