The Supreme Court on Tuesday reprimanded the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi for disbursing only a portion of the funds allocated for the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) project.
The Bench of Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia directed the GNCTD to provide the complete amount, saying that there was no question of partial compliance of its order.
On November 21, the Apex Court pulled up the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi for ‘breach’ of undertaking given to it to provide funds for the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) Project in the Alwar and Panipat corridors.
The Bench of Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia directed the Aam Aadmi Party-led government in Delhi to transfer the funds meant for advertising to the RRTS projects.
It pointed out that the funds allocated for advertising for the last three years amounted to Rs 1,100 crore and Rs 550 crore for this year.
The Apex Court said it was inclined to transfer those funds, however, it was keeping the order in abeyance for a week, granting time to the AAP government to make good on its earlier promise.
The Apex Court said it was inclined to transfer those funds, however, it was keeping the order in abeyance for a week, granting time to the AAP government to make good on its earlier promise.
The Bench warned the Delhi government that if it failed to transfer the funds, then the order would come into effect. The Apex Court further warned that it would stay and attach the GNCTD’s advertising budget, in case it failed to comply with the Court orders.
The top court of the country passed the orders on a petition highlighting the deteriorating air quality of Delhi and stubble burning in nearby States, calling it one of the biggest contributors to air pollution.
The Apex Court took up the issue of delay in implementing the RRTS projects, touted as a more eco-friendly mode of transportation.
Noting that it cannot be taken for granted, the Apex Court said if this was the only way that the States would co-operate, then the Court would have to do this. The bench further pulled up the Delhi government for not seeking extension.
Earlier on July 24, the Apex Court had come down heavily on the Government of NCT of Delhi for spending Rs 1100 crore on advertisements and delaying its contribution in the share of funds in the implementation of the Delhi-Meerut RRTS, which has since been inaugurated. This was one of the three rapid rail corridors planned under Phase I of the RapidX project.