Setback to Tamil Nadu government: SC refuses to pass order on plea seeking release of 24,000 cusecs of Cauvery water

The Supreme Court on Friday (August 25) declined to pass orders on that petition by the Tamil Nadu government. The Tamil Nadu government had sought the release of 24,000 cusecs of water from the Kaveri river by Karnataka per day for crops.

A three-judge bench headed by Justice BR Gavai was informed by Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati that a meeting of the Authority is scheduled on Monday. The court then sought a report from the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) on the quantum of water released by Karnataka.

"We do not have any expertise on the matter. The Additional Solicitor General informed that the Authority is meeting on Monday to decide on the release of water for the next fortnight." The bench also included Justices PS Narasimha and PK Mishra. "We find it appropriate that the CWMA submits its report on whether the directions issued for the release of water have been complied with," the bench said.

The Karnataka government has termed as "completely misplaced" Tamil Nadu's plea seeking a Supreme Court direction asking it to release 24,000 cusecs of Cauvery water per day to crops. The Karnataka government has said in an affidavit filed in the apex court that Tamil Nadu's plea is based on a misconception that "the current water year is a normal water year and not a critical water year".