The Supreme Court has issued a directive to the Delhi finance department to settle the outstanding dues payable to the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) by Wednesday. This decision came after the Delhi government claimed that an amount of ₹1,927 crore was denied by the finance department.
The court, headed by Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, stated that they will issue notice to DJB to determine the exact amount due and payable. The Delhi government and its water minister had filed a petition claiming the unpaid sum of ₹1,927 crore from the finance department.
Senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, representing the finance department, argued that the funds for the financial year 2023-24 had lapsed and any payment should come from the 2024-25 budget. However, the bench emphasized the importance of settling the dues promptly and instructed the finance department to take necessary actions by Wednesday.
The ongoing confrontation between the elected government and Delhi government officers has led to issues regarding water supply, sewer problems, and healthcare facilities. The finance department denied stalling the release of funds to DJB, citing financial irregularities within the board.
The Delhi government stressed the urgency of releasing the funds to avoid a water crisis and maintain essential services in the capital. The court has made DJB a party to the proceedings to ensure transparency and accountability in the payment of dues.