Delhi government urges Supreme Court for urgent hearing on plea for release of Delhi Jal Board funds

New Delhi, March 20 (IANS) The Delhi government has urgently requested the Supreme Court to hear its plea for the release of Delhi Jal Board funds before the financial year ends on March 31. Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing the city government, highlighted that Rs 3,000 crore funds are at risk of lapsing.

Singhvi, appearing before a bench headed by CJI D.Y. Chandrachud, emphasized the critical nature of the situation and urged for an expedited hearing. He requested the court to advance the scheduled hearing date of April 1 and proposed for the matter to be listed this Friday to address the looming crisis.

Responding to the plea, CJI Chandrachud assured that the court is capable of issuing necessary directives even if the hearing takes place on April 1. He acknowledged the significance of the funds release for the Delhi Jal Board and indicated willingness to intervene in order to prevent any financial setbacks for the city.

The AAP government, in its plea filed with the Supreme Court, alleged that the Finance Department has withheld the budget allocated by the Assembly for the Delhi Jal Board. The government’s claim raises concerns about the potential impact on crucial water supply and infrastructure projects in the region if the funds are not released in a timely manner.

The Delhi government’s plea comes as a response to the urgent need to secure the funds before the current financial year ends. With the possibility of Rs 3,000 crore lapsing on March 31, the city government is seeking prompt intervention from the judiciary to ensure that the necessary funds are released for the welfare of Delhi residents and the efficient functioning of the Delhi Jal Board.