BHIM SINGH vs U.O.I — W.P.(C) No. 21/1999

Summary of Bhim Singh v. Union of India, W.P.(C) No. 000021/1999 The Supreme Court's Constitution Bench upheld the constitutional validity of the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLAD), rejecting petitioners' challenges. The Court held that Article 282 of the Constitution permits the Union to make grants for public purposes irrespective of whether the subject matter falls within the legislative competence of Parliament. The Scheme operates through Appropriation Acts passed annually by Parliament and maintains accountability through District Authorities who verify eligibility, execute works, and furnish completion and audit certificates. The Court found no violation of separation of powers since MPs' role is limited to recommending works while actual implementation rests with local authorities, and no unconstitutional infringement of Panchayat/Municipality functions since these bodies serve as preferred implementing agencies under the guidelines. This case analysis is maintained by casestatus.in based on publicly available court records.