SC orders UP Congress to deposit Rs 1 cr for hiring vehicles for rallies, PMs' visits between 1981-1989

The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Congress in Uttar Pradesh to deposit Rs 1 crore as arrears towards hiring buses and taxis from UPSRTC from 1981 to 1989, when the party was in power in the state, for ferrying supporters for political rallies and visits of then prime ministers.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday ordered that the recovery of Rs 2.66 crores from the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee towards the dues to the Uttar Pradesh State Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) will remain stayed subject to the condition depositing Rs one crore within four weeks.

A bench led by Justice Surya Kant asked a counsel, representing the UPCC, if public transport could be used for political parties without payment. 

The court was informed that the Allahabad High Court had in October, 2023 held that the amount should be paid within three months.

The dues were for using the buses and taxis of the UPSRTC for political purposes between 1981-89, during this period the Congress party was in power in Uttar Pradesh. 

The bench asked if public transport could be used for political parties for political rallies without payment.

The counsel, for his part, said, "Certainly it cannot be. All we are saying in this case is what is the government's responsibility” and to what extent would be the responsibility of the political party. 

The counsel added that if a political party has a contract, it must pay on the basis of that contract and this matter could be decided only by the way of a trial.

The bench did not agree with the counsel’s contention and, noting that the matter has been pending for long, suggested exploring the possibility of arbitration. 

The counsel agreed with the court's suggestion.

The court decided to examine the UPCC's special leave petition, while saying it would explore the possibility of appointing an arbitrator to determine and ascertain the actual liability of the petitioner.

However, the bench asked UPCC to deposit a sum of Rs one crores within a period of four weeks. The court said the order would remain stayed without prejudice to the rights of both parties.