Constitution Bench to hear Mullaperiyar dispute: SC

New Delhi, Nov. 10 (ANI): The Supreme Court on Tuesday referred the Mullaperiyar dam issue between Kerala and Tamil Nadu to a Constitution Bench.

A three-judge Bench of Justices D K Jain, Mukundakam Sharma and R M Lodha felt that it would be appropriate if the matter is heard by a five judge Bench as it involved "substantive questions of Constitutional law."

The century-old Mullaperiyar dam, located in Kerala's Iddukki district, has been a contentious issue between the two states, with Kerala wanting it to be demolished while Tamil Nadu fiercely opposing any such move.

In 2007, the apex court had passed a judgement in favour of Tamil Nadu by allowing it to raise the water level from 136 feet to 142 feet.

Subsequently, Kerala brought a legislation to overcome the Supreme Court judgement and restrained Tamil Nadu from raising the water level beyond 136 feet.

Kerala further obtained an environmental clearance from Ministry of Environment for constructing a new dam by demolishing the existing one.

Following that, Tamil Nadu moved a fresh writ petition challenging the legislation enacted by Kerala. (ANI)