Punjab Govt Moves SC Seeking Urgent Release of Funds from Central Govt

The Punjab Government has filed an application seeking the urgent release of funds from the Central Government to cover alleged dues related to Market Fees and Rural Development Fees (RDF).

Punjab Additional Advocate General Shadan Farasat requested CJI DY Chandrachud for an expedited listing of the interim application seeking these funds.

The Court agreed to schedule an early hearing. This application is part of the original suit filed by the state government against the Centre in 2023.

In that suit, the Punjab Government had accused the Union Government of refusing to reimburse the statutory RDF charges.

According to the original suit filed before the Supreme Court, the charges levied by the State of Punjab are for the acquisition and procurement of food grains carried out on behalf of the Union to ensure food security in India.

The application states that RDF amounting to Rs 3,637 crores has been due since 2021, and market fees totaling Rs 2,400 crores have been due since 2022.

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