Punjab Govt Requests Supreme Court For Early Hearing Of Suit Against Union Over RDF Dues

The State of Punjab today (October 1) requested the Supreme Court for scheduling an early hearing of its suit seeking reimbursement of the statutory charges of Market Fees and Rural Development Fees (RDF) by the Union.

Advocate General of Punjab Gurminder Singh requested an early listing of the matter considering that the kharif harvest season would begin from October 1. 

"My season is starting today, and the infrastructure of the mandis and the agrarian societies in Punjab is in dilapidation, my lords," the AG told Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud.  The AG pointed out that though the matter is listed today, it was unlikely to be taken up as the bench is hearing another part-heard matter. AG requested that the matter be kept high on the board.

The CJI assured the AG of an early hearing and orally remarked -"Alright we will keep this in some higher position after the (other) matter is heard today."  

Earlier, the State of Punjab had filed an application seeking urgent release of funds from the Union under the alleged dues of RDF

Last year, the Punjab Government moved the Top Court alleging the Union of India's refusal of the reimbursement of the statutory charges RDF.

As per the original suit filed before the Apex Court, the charges levied by the State of Punjab are for the acquisition and procurement of food grains carried out by the Punjab on behalf of the Union, for ensuring food security in India.

It is stated that RDF to the tune of Rs 3637 crores is due from 2021 and market fees to the tune of Rs 2400 crores is due from 2022. 

Case Details : THE STATE OF PUNJAB Versus UNION OF INDIA AND ANR.| ORGNL.SUIT No. 5/2023