Delhi Govt Moves Supreme Court For Release Of Rs 3000 Crore Delhi Jal Board Funds

The Delhi Government on Wednesday (March 20) sought an urgent hearing of its petition which seeks the release of Delhi Jal Board Funds worth Rs. 3000 Crores.

Senior Advocate Mr AM Singhvi, appearing for the Delhi Govt, stressing the urgency of the matter, informed the bench led by CJI DY Chandrachud that the funds will lapse by March 31. It was emphasised that the centre has not released the funds despite the passage of the budget in the Assembly.   

Mr Singhvi submitted " I have passed the budget, I have passed the legislation, the Minister is directed and yet the Jal Board Funds have not been released. On 31st March they lapse. My Lord the Chief Justice has listed it on the 1st of April...Your lordships may either have a sentence that if it lapses on 31st March, which it will, 3000 crores will lapse then your lordships have a reversal or Your lordships may put it on Friday"

The CJI however reverted that the matter will be heard on April 1. The counsel was reassured that in the event the bench rules in their favour, the lapsed fund would be reversed and any developments that take place between today and the day of the hearing would be taken into consideration by the Court. 

" Even if we hear it on April 1, We can always direct a reversal, it's only a financial entry for us ...whatever happens between today and the hearing can be taken care of by the Court"   

In November last year, Delhi Minister Atishi had alleged that the Finance Department had withheld the funds for the DJB on the instructions of the Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar. She said that Delhi will witness severe water crisis if the funds are not released.