The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to constitute a tribunal to resolve the long-pending inter-state water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over the Pennaiyar River. The court asked the Union government to issue a notification and set up the tribunal within one month. The case concerns disputes over check dams and diversion works on the river, which Tamil Nadu says affect its share of water.
Pennaiyar River Dispute
The Pennaiyar River is an inter-state river system shared by Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Tamil Nadu approached the court in 2018, challenging construction activities by Karnataka on the river. The dispute centres on water sharing, upstream works, and the impact on downstream availability.
Supreme Court Direction
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and N V Anjaria held that there was no reason to delay the formation of a tribunal. The court directed the Centre to take immediate steps under the relevant legal framework for adjudication of the dispute. The detailed judgment is awaited.
Legal and Federal Significance
Inter-state river disputes are a recurring issue in India’s federal structure. The Constitution and the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act provide mechanisms for adjudication through tribunals. Such disputes often involve competing claims over water use, irrigation, and state control over river works.
Why It Matters for Exams
This development is important for questions on:
- Inter-state water disputes in India.
- Role of the Supreme Court in federal conflicts.
- Tribunal mechanism under water dispute law.
- Management of shared river resources as a national asset.