The Mumbai High Court today rejected public interest litigation seeking the release of details of the PM Cares Fund, the Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Emergency Fund, launched by the central government to combat CORONA infection. Earlier, the apex court had also dismissed a petition against PM Cares Trust.
The PM Cares Fund is created in accordance with the provisions of the Trust Act. Therefore, an accountant has been appointed to look after the affairs of the trust. It also has an obligation to check the balance sheet, the observation court noted. The purpose for which the fundraising was initiated was made clear by the formation of the trust, the court said.
Adv. Arvind Waghmare had filed the petition before the Nagpur Bench of the High Court. Details of the total amount collected, its use so far, funds provided to the state government, etc. should be made public on the Central Government’s website. It also demanded that the appointment of two members of the Opposition on the relevant trust committee should be for transparency.
Furthermore, Justice Sunil Shukra and Justice Anil Kilor’s bench did not accept the demands.
The PM Cares Trust has been formed on an independent basis. Therefore, the decision will be taken by the concerned persons. Also, the trust does not appear to be incompetent even if there are no other trustees. Also, there is no provision in the budget for this trust, the bench said.
Reported By : SAHIL GOSAVI