The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) to submit a reply regarding the AAP Government’s plea seeking the release of funds for regulating the distribution of drinking water in the national capital.
A bench, led by CJI DY Chandrachud, directed the impleadment of the Delhi Jal Board in the matter and issued notice to them. The court scheduled the matter for further hearing on April 10, 2024.
In the meantime, the court ordered Delhi’s Principal Secretary (Finance) to make the necessary payments as per liability. During the previous hearing, the court had directed the Delhi Government’s Principal Secretary (Finance) to respond to the plea seeking the release of funds for the Delhi Jal Board (DJB).
The court was informed by the Delhi Government’s counsel during the previous hearing that their civil servants were not adhering to the government’s directives. It was also revealed that Rs 1,927 crore is still pending release for the DJB.
The court was hearing the Delhi Government’s plea regarding the non-release of funds to the Delhi Jal Board.
In November 2023, Delhi Minister Atishi has written to Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena demanding suspension and disciplinary action against Finance Secretary for allegedly stopping funds of Delhi Jal Board citing non-release of funds can lead to a public health crisis soon.