In the heart of New Delhi, the Supreme Court provided reassurance to the AAP administration that it retains the authority to authorize the disbursement of Rs 3,000 crore allocated for the operations of the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), even post the expiration date of March 31. The Delhi government had urgently petitioned the Supreme Court to promptly consider its plea regarding the DJB matter.
A M Singh, a seasoned advocate representing the Delhi government, brought up the issue before a bench headed by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, accompanied by justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra. Singhvi argued for an urgent hearing, stressing that the funds allocated for the Delhi Jal Board would expire by March 31.
“I have sanctioned the budget. I have sanctioned the legislation. Despite ministerial directives, the release of funds for the Delhi Jal Board has been obstructed. On March 31, they will expire. An amount of Rs 3,000 crore will lapse on March 31… Your lordship may schedule it for Friday because the issue is the potential lapse of Rs 3,000 crore,” Singhvi emphasized.
The bench assured the AAP government that even after the lapse date of March 31, it retains the authority to release the allocated Rs 3,000 crore for the Delhi Jal Board.
The Chief Justice remarked, “If we convene on April 1, we still retain the ability to reverse the decision. It merely entails a financial adjustment for us. Any developments between now and the hearing, we can address.”
The AAP administration had approached the court to secure the release of funds earmarked for the Delhi Jal Board. The Delhi government argued that despite the proper passing of the budget, the funds designated for the DJB had not been disbursed.