The Central government Today (April 22nd) told the Supreme Court that the Election Commission of India (ECI) has allowed it to render assistance to Karnataka to help certain areas of the State tide over the ongoing drought situation.
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NEW DELHI: The Central government today apprised the Supreme Court of its authorization from the Election Commission of India (ECI) to extend assistance to Karnataka in addressing the prevailing drought conditions in certain areas of the State.
Justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta presided over the proceedings, wherein Attorney General of India R Venkataramani informed the court of imminent developments in the matter, prompting an adjournment.
“No argument needed now,”
-the AG said
Dispensing with the need for arguments at the moment, the Attorney General assured that progress would be made by Monday.
Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the State of Karnataka, voiced no objections to the adjournment. Emphasizing the importance of an amicable resolution given the federal structure of governance, the Court underscored the need for cooperative engagement between the Union and State authorities.
“It has to be happen amicably, given this is a federal structure.”
-Apex Court
The case stems from a petition filed by the Karnataka government, alleging the Central government’s reluctance to provide financial assistance to the State through the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). The State contended that the Central government’s purported arbitrary actions amounted to a violation of the fundamental rights of Karnataka’s populace.
According to the State’s submissions, the Union government had yet to act upon a report from an Inter-Ministerial Central Team on the disaster, despite nearly six months having passed since its submission. This delay, coupled with the withholding of NDRF benefits, has exacerbated the situation, as highlighted before the apex court.
During a prior hearing, the Court had expressed its disapproval of any contestation between the Union and State governments, emphasizing the imperative of collaboration in addressing the pressing issue at hand. The adjournment reflects the judiciary’s commitment to facilitating constructive dialogue and swift action in resolving matters of public interest.
EARLIER IN COURT
The Supreme Court of India earlier underscored the importance of cooperation over conflict between the Union and state governments as it required the Central government to respond to a plea submitted by the Karnataka government. The plea demands the release of drought relief funds, highlighting the growing trend of states seeking judicial intervention for financial assistance from the Centre.
The bench, comprising Justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta, observed the increasing frequency of state governments approaching the court for matters that ideally should be resolved through federal cooperation. This observation came while the bench was deliberating on Karnataka’s plea, which accuses the Central government of failing to provide financial aid to address drought conditions affecting certain regions of the state.
“Let there not be a contest between Union and State”
-Apex Court said.
Karnataka’s plea articulates a sense of urgency, driven by what it describes as the Central government’s “arbitrary actions,” which purportedly infringe upon the fundamental rights of the state’s residents. The plea brings to light the alleged inaction of the Union government concerning an Inter-Ministerial Central Team report on the drought disaster, which has remained unaddressed for approximately six months. This inaction is further criticized for exacerbating the situation by withholding benefits from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) intended for the state.
Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, representing the Central government, suggested that the state could have sought a resolution through dialogue rather than resorting to a petition under Article 32 of the Constitution. He also hinted at the timing of the Public Interest Litigation (PIL), suggesting political motives ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
The Court, however, proceeded to ask both SG Mehta and Attorney General (AG) R Venkataramani to provide detailed responses within two weeks. The plea, advocated by DL Chidananda and further supported by Senior Counsel Devadatt Kamat and AG K Shashi Kiran Shetty, marks Karnataka as the latest state to challenge the Central government’s financial policies in the Supreme Court. This move echoes a similar plea by the Tamil Nadu government, which also alleges neglect by the Centre in releasing funds for damages caused by natural calamities.
The Court’s statement, captures the essence of the federal spirit, emphasizing the need for collaboration and understanding between different levels of government to address the pressing challenges faced by the nation.
CASE TITLE:
State of Karnataka vs Union of India and ors.
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