New Delhi, Feb. 19 -- The Supreme Court of India strongly criticised the distribution of "freebies" by political parties across States, expressing concern over the strain such schemes place on public finances.

The Court, on Wednesday, said that instead of distributing resources through freebie schemes, political parties should frame planned and structured policies aimed at long-term welfare, such as unemployment schemes and other development-oriented measures.

"The economic development of the nation will be hampered by this kind of largesse distribution. Yes, it is the State's duty to provide. But the ones who are enjoying freebies, is it not something that should be looked at?" Chief Justice of India Surya Kant verbally observed.

The ...