Punjab Government's Urgent Plea on Rural Development Fund

The Supreme Court is set to hear Punjab's interim plea for the urgent release of over Rs 1,000 crore from the Centre on September 2. The plea concerns alleged dues related to the Rural Development Fund. The state claims the Centre owes it over Rs 4,200 crore.

The Supreme Court on Friday announced it would address an interim plea lodged by the AAP-led Punjab government on September 2, calling for the immediate release of more than Rs 1,000 crore from the Centre, citing alleged dues under the Rural Development Fund.

A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra was informed by lawyer Shadan Farasat, representing Punjab, that the apex court's website did not list the matter for September 2, despite prior assurances.

The court assured that the matter will be taken up as scheduled. Punjab's government has filed an interlocutory application in an ongoing lawsuit against the Centre, seeking an interim release of the funds. Earlier, in 2023, the state alleged the Centre's withholding of the Rural Development Fund and a portion of the market fee, claiming a total due of over Rs 4,200 crore.

The plea emphasized that the RDF and market fee are critical for the state's procurement process, with rates set by the state as per constitutional provisions.

(With inputs from agencies.)