“The Fairy and the Freebie: How Easy Comfort Weakens a Nation”

As soon as Election comes every political party starts disbursing money to the voters. Some offer monthly Rs.70,000/- some offer. The taxpayer is a mute spectator.

I will tell you story of a Jungle.

Wild animals in the jungle illustration

The Story of the Jungle

Once upon a time, there was a beautiful jungle where all the animals lived peacefully. They worked hard to find their food by hunting and gathering. They shared with one another and cared for each other. The jungle was full of love, cooperation, and happiness.

All the animals helped one another and took responsibility for their lives. They were strong, active, and independent.

One day, a fairy came to the jungle. She had a magic wand. By waving her wand, she started giving food and water to all the animals and birds. At first, everyone was happy.

But slowly, the animals became lazy. Since food was easily available, they stopped working and hunting. They spent most of their time sleeping and eating. Over time, they even found it difficult to walk and run because they were no longer active.

After a few months, a hunter entered the jungle. He began hunting the animals recklessly. Earlier, the animals were brave and skilled at escaping or fighting back. But now, because they were weak and lazy, many of them were easily caught in traps. Many animals were hunted.

Hunting icons set with shooter and hound animal and tracks fir forest vintage style isolated vector illustration

Fear spread throughout the jungle.

The King of the Jungle called a meeting. All the animals gathered and discussed what had gone wrong. They realized that the fairy had been sent by the hunter to make them weak and dependent. Because of her magic, they had lost their strength and alertness.

They decided to send the fairy away from the jungle.

After the fairy was deported, the animals slowly returned to their old habits. They started working hard again, hunting, sharing, and taking care of one another. Soon, the jungle became peaceful and happy once more.

Moral of the Story

Easy comfort can make us weak. Hard work and self-reliance make us strong.

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Freebies and Constitution

The legality of election “freebies” in India hinges on balancing Directive Principles (social welfare) with fiscal responsibility under the Constitution. While critics argue they constitute bribery and misuse public funds (violating Art. 266, 282), the Supreme Court in The S. Subramaniam Balaji v. Government of Tamil Nadu (2013) case is a landmark Supreme Court of India judgment regarding electoral freebies. The Court ruled that pre-poll promises in election manifestos do not constitute a “corrupt practice” under Section 123 of the Representation of People Act, 1951, as they are part of a party’s agenda, not individual bribery. The judgment established a distinction between election promises for public welfare and the direct bribery of voters. However, it has been criticized for failing to curb the growing culture of “freebie politics” that threatens state finances.

Latest View of Supreme Court:

TAMIL NADU POWER DISTRIBUTION CORPORATION LIMITED Vs UNION OF INDIA | W.P.(C) No. 158/2026

Currently the view of Supreme Court has changed its view. In the above matter CJI Suryakant said , “ replying Senior Advocate Gopal Subramanium, State’s counsel, CJI Kant said  : “Is it in the public interest that…the State is absorbing all these? Because of freebies, the entire country is already…we are not talking of Tamil Nadu in particular. We are talking of pan-India. What kind of culture are we developing? What is the distinction between persons who are capable of paying the electricity bill and persons who are marginalised? It is understandable that, as a welfare state, you want to provide relief to the marginalised. But without drawing any distinction between those who can afford and those who cannot afford, if you start giving, will it not amount to a sort of appeasing policy?”

CJI Kant said that it is understandable that the State wants to help those who are marginalised. But why should freebies be blanketly distributed to all and sundry, he asked. CJI Kant further queried “We know what is happening in the nearest places where the last elections took place. Why suddenly schemes are announced near elections? It is high time that all political stalwarts, leaders, parties, and all social engineers, they need to revisit everything. We will be hampering the development of the nation if we keep on having this largesse distribution. There must be a balance. But how long this will continue?”

Matter is subjudice and notice has been issued to the centre and state, There are other matters on the issue before the Supreme Court.

Overall Summary

  • 2013 Position:
    Election freebies in manifestos are legally valid and not corrupt practices.
  • Current Judicial Trend:
    The Court is increasingly skeptical of indiscriminate freebies, especially near elections.
  • Ongoing Debate:
    Whether India should impose legal and fiscal limits on welfare promises to protect public finances while ensuring targeted social support.

Welfare is essential in a developing country like India. Helping the poor, elderly, and marginalized is a constitutional duty.

However:

  • Freebies must be targeted, not universal

  • They must be financially sustainable

  • They should empower, not weaken

True development lies not in permanent handouts, but in education, jobs, skills, and opportunities. A strong nation is built by self-reliant citizens, not by dependent voters.

Shruti Desai

23rd February 2026