Supreme Court to Hear Punjab's Plea for Urgent Release of Rural Development Funds

The Supreme Court has agreed to consider an interim plea by the Punjab government for the urgent release of over Rs 1,000 crore from the Centre. The plea concerns alleged dues related to the Rural Development Fund. The hearing involves Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to consider listing an interim plea of the AAP-led Punjab government for the urgent release of over Rs 1,000 crore from the Centre. The plea pertains to alleged dues related to the Rural Development Fund.

A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra was urged by lawyer Shadan Farasat, representing the Punjab government. The lawyer emphasized the urgency, seeking that the interlocutory application (IA) be listed next week.

The Bhagwant Mann government filed the IA as part of a pending lawsuit against the Centre, claiming that the withheld funds are essential for the procurement process. The plea alleges that the Centre owes Punjab over Rs 4,200 crore, necessary for the effective functioning of rural procurement.

(With inputs from agencies.)