Cabinet on Cauvery: Siddaramaiah had his legal team next to him all along

Bengaluru, Sept 22: The Karnataka Cabinet which took a decision to defer the release of water to Tamil Nadu had its task cut out. Defying the Supreme Court is not always an easy task and considering that the state was proposing to do the same can, well lead into a constitutional crisis.

While Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah consulted with leaders across parties, he also ensured that his legal team was right beside him. Prior to the all party meeting held at Bengaluru on Wednesday, there was a meeting in which legal experts were consulted.

The Chief Minister also asked Karnataka's counsel in the Supreme Court, Mohan Katarki to be part of the meeting. Katarki was also told to advise the cabinet, a first in the past 25 years.

While Siddaramaiah sought the support of all parties, he also had his legal team with him advising him all along. The Cabinet explored a host of options in the wake of the Supreme Court directing the state to release 6,000 cusecs to TN for a period of seven days starting September 21.

The legal team was asked to advise on the consequences of disobeying the Supreme Court's order. Further the team and also several other leaders advised that if a decision on this needs to be taken, then the ideal route would be through a resolution passed by the legislature.

In the days to come the legal team will have its hands full. If a resolution is passed stating that Karnataka would not release water, then this team would have to make out their case before the Supreme Court.

The team would have to inform the court about the resolution and why Karnataka has decided not to abide by the order of the Supreme Court for now.

OneIndia News