The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a plea seeking to declare the Indian National Congress’ manifesto for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls as unfair. The plea was filed by an advocate, who alleged that the Congress party’s manifesto promised freebies, which were not feasible and would create a financial burden on the country.
The petitioner had argued that the Congress party’s manifesto promised to waive farm loans, provide unemployment allowance, and implement a minimum income guarantee scheme, among other things. The petitioner alleged that these promises were made with the intention of securing votes and were not feasible, given the financial constraints of the country.
However, the Supreme Court dismissed the plea, stating that it did not find any merit in the arguments presented by the petitioner. The court observed that the Election Commission of India had already examined the Congress party’s manifesto and had not found any violation of the Model Code of Conduct or any other law.
The court also noted that political parties often make promises in their election manifestos, and it is up to the voters to decide whether they believe the promises or not. The court stated that it could not interfere in the electoral process or the promises made by political parties, as long as they do not violate any law or the Model Code of Conduct.
The Congress party had contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, but had failed to win a majority of seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party had won a majority and formed the government at the Centre for the second consecutive term.
The Supreme Court’s decision to dismiss the plea seeking to declare the Congress party’s manifesto for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls as unfair reaffirms the principle of free and fair elections. Political parties are free to make promises in their election manifestos, but they must ensure that their promises are feasible and do not violate any law or the Model Code of Conduct. The court’s decision also underscores the importance of the role of the Election Commission in ensuring free and fair elections in the country.
It is important for political parties to be transparent and accountable in their election promises, as they have a direct impact on the lives of citizens. Voters should have access to accurate and reliable information about the promises made by political parties in their election manifestos, so that they can make informed decisions when casting their vote.
Furthermore, it is important for political parties to follow through on their promises after the elections, and be held accountable for any failures or shortcomings. This can help to build trust and confidence in the democratic process and the political system as a whole.
The Supreme Court’s decision also highlights the need for greater public awareness and education about the electoral process and the role of political parties in the democratic system. Citizens should be encouraged to participate actively in the electoral process, and to hold their elected representatives accountable for their actions and decisions.
In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s decision to dismiss the plea seeking to declare the Congress party’s manifesto for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls as unfair is a positive development for Indian democracy. It upholds the principle of free and fair elections, and reinforces the importance of the role of the Election Commission in ensuring transparency and accountability in the electoral process. It is now up to political parties to fulfill their promises and work towards the betterment of the country and its citizens.
