S.Subramaniam Balaji vs Govt.Of T.Nadu & Ors

The Supreme Court upheld the decision of the Madras High Court, which dismissed the writ petitions challenging the distribution of free Colour Television Sets (CTVs) by the DMK government as unconstitutional and a misuse of state funds. The Court found that the scheme did not constitute a waste of the exchequer and was permissible under the provisions of the Representation of People Act, 1951, particularly Section 123. The Court emphasized that such schemes could be seen as a legitimate political promise aimed at enhancing the quality of life for citizens, particularly in rural areas.