Bengaluru, Nov. 9 -- The Karnataka government's guarantee schemes came under scrutiny during a High Court hearing, with the bench expressing displeasure over the simultaneous rise in prices of essential commodities and the growing financial difficulties faced by ordinary households.

A bench headed by Justice Srishananda observed that welfare benefits offered by the government could not take away the hardship caused by increasing prices of daily necessities. Questioning the situation, the court reportedly remarked that schemes might be free, but price hikes were certain.

The bench highlighted the increase in ghee prices, pointing out that one kilogram, which was available for Rs 650 last month, was now selling for Rs 850. The sharp incre...