New Delhi

The Centre on Wednesday told the Supreme Court that freebies promised by political parties before polls are an "economic disaster".

The apex court suggested an expert body comprising representatives of Niti Ayog, Finance Commission, RBI, political parties and other stakeholders, should examine the pros and cons of freebies, while acknowledging that it is a serious issue.

The Central government, said the populist announcements distort the informed decision making of the voter and a voter would know what's going to fall on him and would lead to towards economic disaster.

The bench headed by Chief Justice NV Ramana said this is a serious issue and the ECI and the Central government cannot say that they cannot do anything in the matter.

The top court asked the Centre and ECI to give suggestions within a week on the composition of an expert body that will examine how to regulate freebies and give report to Centre, ECI and to the court.

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The bench scheduled the matter for further hearing next week.