Cauvery: SC reserves verdict on maintainibilty of appeals filed by Kar, TN

The Supreme Court today reserved its verdict on the maintainability of the appeals filed by Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala in connection with the Cauvery issue.

New Delhi, Oct 19: The Supreme Court today reserved its verdict on the maintainability of the appeals filed by Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala in connection with the Cauvery issue.

The Bench comprising Justices Dipak Mishra, Amitava Roy and Khanwilkar heard all three parties and the centre at length and said it would decide on whether the appeals are maintainable or not.

While reserving the verdict the Bench reiterated that Karnataka should continue releasing 2,000 cosecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu.

Karnataka and Tamil Nadu had challenged the order of the Cauvery Waters Tribunal dated February 5 2007. The centre had opposed the appeals stating it is not maintainable.

The tribunal in its final award had determined the usable quantum of water of the Cauvery at 740 tmcft. Karnataka is entitled to 270 tmcft, Tamil Nadu to 419 tmcft, Kerala 30 tmcft, Puducherry 7 tmcft and 14 tmcft is meant for environmental purposes, the tribunal had said.

On Tuesday the Supreme Court today directed Karnataka to release 2,000 cusecs of water daily to Tamil till maintainability of the appeals filed by Karnataka and Tamil Nadu is decided.

The union government contended that the decision of an inter state water tribunal is considered as a decree passed by the Supreme Court. The tribunal had delivered its final award on February 5, 2007. The centre contends that once the tribunal's order is published it partakes the shape of a Supreme Court order.

Under Article 262 (1) and (2) of the Constitution the power of the Supreme Court is eclipsed after the Tribunal formed under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act,1956 has adjudicated over the issue. Such decisions cannot be challenged, the centre also contended.

Karnataka however contended that it had challenged the award before the same was published on February 19 2013. The contention made by Karnataka was supported by Puducherry which has also challenged the award of the tribunal.

Tamil Nadu said that Section 6(2) of the Inter State Waters Dispute Act of 1956 cannot oust the Supreme Court's constitutional appellate powers under Article 136 of the Indian Constitution.

OneIndia News