The Supreme Court has directed Delhi’s Principal Secretary (Finance) to submit a reply to the Delhi government’s petition seeking the release of funds allocated for the Delhi Jal Board (DJB).
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has accused the official of withholding funds designated for the Delhi Jal Board.
A bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud has sought response from Delhi’s Principal Secretary (Finance) and has scheduled further proceedings for April 5, 2024.
During the hearing, the court was informed by the counsel representing the Delhi government that their civil servants are not complying with government directives.
It was also disclosed to the court that Rs 1,927 crore has yet to be released for the Delhi Jal Board.
Meanwhile, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the Delhi Lieutenant Governor, maintained that the LG bears no involvement in withholding funds, as the responsibility lies with the Finance Department of the state government.
The court was hearing the Delhi government’s petition concerning the failure to release funds to the Delhi Jal Board.
Last November, Delhi Minister Atishi penned a letter to Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, urging for the suspension and disciplinary action against the Finance Secretary for allegedly halting funds intended for the Delhi Jal Board. She cautioned that the non-disbursement of funds could lead to a public health crisis.
