Supreme Court Orders Tribunal on Pennaiyar Water Dispute

The Supreme Court has directed the Union government to constitute a tribunal to adjudicate the long-pending inter-state water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over the Pennaiyar River. The order marks a significant step towards resolving a conflict that has remained unresolved for several years despite repeated representations.

Direction to the Central Government

A Bench of the Supreme Court of India comprising Justices Vikram Nath and N V Anjaria directed the Centre to issue a notification and set up the inter-state water disputes tribunal within one month. The court observed that there was no justification for further delay in initiating the statutory mechanism to resolve the dispute.

Background of the Pennaiyar River Dispute

The case stems from a petition filed by the Tamil Nadu government in 2018, challenging Karnataka’s construction of check dams and diversion structures on the Pennaiyar River. Tamil Nadu has contended that these upstream interventions adversely affect water availability in its downstream regions, particularly during lean seasons, impacting agriculture and drinking water supply.

Legal Arguments and Constitutional Issues

Tamil Nadu argued before the court that water in an inter-state river is a national asset governed by constitutional provisions and that no single state can claim exclusive ownership or unilateral control. The state maintained that Karnataka’s actions violated established principles governing inter-state rivers and warranted adjudication under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act. The Supreme Court agreed that a specialised tribunal was the appropriate forum for examining technical, legal and equitable aspects of the dispute.

Important Facts for Exams

• Pennaiyar is an inter-state river flowing through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
• Inter-state river disputes are adjudicated under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act.
• The Supreme Court can direct the Centre to constitute a water disputes tribunal.
• Water of inter-state rivers is treated as a national resource.

Significance of the Tribunal Formation

The court’s directive is expected to revive formal adjudication of the Pennaiyar dispute, which has remained pending for years. Once constituted, the tribunal will examine claims, assess hydrological data, and determine equitable water sharing arrangements. The detailed judgment is awaited, but the order underscores the judiciary’s emphasis on timely institutional resolution of inter-state water conflicts.