Supreme Court Directs Centre to Constitute Tribunal for Pennaiyar River Water Dispute
The Supreme Court of India has directed the Central government to constitute a tribunal within one month to adjudicate the long-standing water-sharing dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over the Pennaiyar River. The Bench, led by Justice Vikram Nath, invoked Section 5 of the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act of 1956. Tamil Nadu had approached the court in 2018, challenging Karnataka's construction of dams and diversion structures, arguing that inter-state river water is a national asset and no single state can claim exclusive ownership. The court emphasized the need for a formal adjudicatory body.
Key Points
- The Centre must issue a notification for the tribunal's constitution within 30 days.
- The dispute centers on Tamil Nadu's objection to Karnataka's unilateral utilization of Pennaiyar river waters through new structures.
- The court's direction is based on the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.
- Tamil Nadu cited an 1892 agreement as valid and binding for water sharing between the states.
Exam Facts
- Inter-State River Water Disputes Act of 1956 (Section 5).
- Deadline for tribunal constitution: 1 month.
- States involved: Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
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