ProMASS: Jan 23, 2017: Confusion over Union Budget has ended as the Apex Court dismissed a PIL seeking postponement of Union Budget. The PIL was filed to postpone presentation of Union Budget on the ground of upcoming Assembly polls in five States. The Supreme Court dismissed the PIL saying there was no illustration that it would influence voters.
Notably, The PIL sought to direct the Union Govt to present the Union Budget on 1st April instead of the proposed February 1. It also said that the Union Govt be restrained from announcing any relief, programme, financial budget until the Polls in five States are over, as that would violate the Model Code of Conduct.
Earlier this month, a bench comprising Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justice D Y Chandrachud had asked lawyers to present material and legal provisions in support of the PIL. The Bench also asked then to tell the court what provisions have been violated. The bench asked the petitioner to take time for preparation and come out with material in support of the PIL. However, the Apex Court dismissed the petition as there was no supporting illustration to establish that presentation of Union Budget would influence voters.
