Supreme Court To Hear Krishna Water Dispute Matter On March 14

During the brief hearing today, a Division Bench of Justices Surya Kant and V Subramanian observed that it was busy with conducting interviews of applicants for National Company Law Tribunals’ appointment.

"677 candidates are there. We started only last Sunday. Till 13th February, we will be completely busy. Immediately after the March break, we can post the matter. On March 14 we can hear the IA and the main matter"

"Your Lordship may fix a time limit. I am willing to abide by it, Senior Advocate CS Vaidyanathan, appearing for the State of Telangana submitted.

But Senior Advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for the State of Karnataka expressed that the matter be heard soon.

"We would require an immediate hearing. Now that it is a part-heard matter, let us complete this IA in a reasonable time frame as best as the Court's calendar permits."

Vaidyanathan opposed the demand. "I don't know what is this great hurry. Is it for an election or something? South-west Monsoon is in June. They can use this additional water only after October or December", he pointed out.

"This is an IA. After great difficulty and persuasion from the CJ to get it listed. We finally completed the arguments on one side, arguments on the other side are substantially complete. I think in the fitness of things, it should be completed in the shortest possible time....It will have to be one day", Divan said.

The Bench said that it would request the CJI to constitute the special bench for a longer period to hear the matter. At that point, even the main matter can be heard.

On merits, the Union of India does is not involved, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati said, to which the Bench agreed.

".....We have been restrained from publication. Water disputes have to be in the contours of the award given, till it is challenged and whatever your Lordships decide on that. The publication has to be done, is our respectful submission. Otherwise, on merits, it's fairly between the states".

The Krishna Water Dispute Tribunal passed its final award in November 2013.

Case Title: State of AP v. State of Karnataka And Ors. SLP(C) No. 3076-79/2014

Krishna River Originates In Maharashtra, But We Get A Pittance : State Counsel Tells Supreme Court; Questions Andhra Pradesh's Stand

SC Hearing In Krishna River Water Dispute : Telangana Accuses Maharashtra & Karnataka Of Suppression Of Material Facts

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