India's top court said on Wednesday that the practice of giving handouts was creating a "class of parasites" that was unwilling to work during elections because of "freebies" offered by political parties,

Making strong observations on the practice of political parties announcing freebies ahead of elections, the Supreme Court has said people are "not willing to work" because of them and wondered whether a "class of parasites" was being created.

The Supreme Court criticized political parties for promising freebies just before elections, stating this creates a 'class of parasites' instead of contributing to national development. The court discussed providing shelter for the urban homeless and emphasized balancing welfare with encouraging contributions to society.

As the Supreme Court of India debated on the condition of shelters for homeless in Delhi, Justice Gavai remarked that we were creating “a class of parasites” in this country

Advocate Prashant Bhushan sought to explain that the counsel had submitted so as some of the shelters were removed for the beautification of the area.

Cash giveaways, free power and loan waivers have become standard features ahead of elections. Read more at straitstimes.com.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday deprecated the practice of announcing freebies prior to elections, and said people were not willing to work as they were getting free ration and money.