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Synopsis

The Supreme Court today issued notice in the plea Aam Aadmi Party government's plea seeking release of Delhi Jal Boards' funds amounting to INR 3,000 crores.

Notic has been issued to the Principal Secretary (Finance). Court will not hear the matter on April 5, 2024.

Notably, CJI DY Chandrachud led bench did not issue notice to the Delhi Lieutenant Governor after taking note of the submissions made by senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi that the LG has no role in the disbursal of funds by the finance department of the Delhi government.

On March 20, 2024, Senior Advocate AM Singhvi had mentioned the issue before a Chief Justice of India led bench seeking an urgent hearing.

"The matter is listed for 1st April, 3000 crores will lapse on March 31...please list on Friday.", Singhvi had told the bench also comprising Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra.

Noting that the matter was already listed for April 1, 2024, the CJI had said, "We will hear on April 1st when it is listed..if we hold something, it can be reversed..no problem..".

The Delhi Jal Board Contractors’ Welfare Association had also threatened the government earlier to stop working, if their dues are not cleared.

AAP government had earmarked INR 4,839.5 crore for the Jal Board, out of which only Rs 1,598 crore was released in May last years as the first instalment, and the subsequent instalments were not released.

Case Title: GNCTD vs. LG, Delhi