‘If ₹1100 Crores Can Be Spent For Ads In 3 Years, Contributions Can Be Made To Infra Projects’: Supreme Court To Delhi Govt On Rapid Rail

The Supreme Court, on Monday, accepted the statement of the Delhi Government that it would make budgetary provisions to make contribution towards the RRTS Project (Regional Rapid Transit System).

On the last occasion, being apprised that the Delhi Government is not making contribution towards the RRTS Project (Regional Rapid Transit System) due to budgetary constraints, the Apex Court had directed it to file an affidavit within two weeks disclosing the funds used for advertisements in the last three financial years. Subsequently, an affidavit was filed and it reflects that the amount spent is around INR 1073 crores.

The Bench comprising Justice SK Kaul and Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia categorically recorded in the order, “We were constrained to pass the last order only on account of the fact that the Delhi Government had thrown its hand up for contributing their proportionate amounts”.

It further noted, “if INR 1100 crores can be spent for advertisement in the last 3 financial years, certainly, contributions can be made to infrastructure projects”.

At the outset, being informed about the budgetary allocation made towards advertisements, Justice Kaul told the Senior Advocate, AM Sighvi appearing for Delhi Government, “Either you pay or we will attach your advertisement budget”.

Singhvi assured the Judge that the payment would be made, but beseeched the Bench that the same be allowed to be made in instalments spread over a reasonable period of time. Justice Kaul reckoned that the payment schedule itself is spread over a period of time. The Bench was informed that the State would make budgetary provision for the concerned projects according to the schedule laid down. While accepting the State Government’s statement, the Bench also passed a direction regarding payment of overdue amount.

[Case Title: MC Mehta v. UoI And Ors. WP(C) No. 13029/1985]

Click Here To Read/Download Order