Tamil Nadu Moves Supreme Court Over Cauvery Water Release, Karnataka to Respond

The Cauvery water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka has once again reached the Supreme Court, with Tamil Nadu seeking directions to ensure the release of its allocated share of river water. The state has alleged that Karnataka has not released the quantity mandated by the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) and the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC).

In its petition, Tamil Nadu has sought enforcement of the CWRC's direction requiring Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water per day for 15 days, contending that the water received so far is below its entitlement despite recent inflows.

Responding to the development, Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said the state government would consult its legal team before filing its response. Speaking to reporters after a Cabinet meeting, Shivakumar said Karnataka had complied with the CWMA's directions following recent rainfall and would act in accordance with legal advice.

He also maintained that Tamil Nadu was within its rights to approach the apex court and reiterated that Karnataka had respected the country's legal framework.

Shivakumar underlined the political unity in Karnataka over the Cauvery issue, stating that leaders across party lines, including the BJP and JD(S), had supported the state's stand. He thanked former chief ministers, Union ministers and senior political leaders for backing Karnataka's position.

The CWMA had recently upheld the CWRC's recommendation directing Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water daily for 15 days to Tamil Nadu. While water inflows into Tamil Nadu have increased following heavy rains in Karnataka, the neighbouring state maintains that the cumulative release remains below the prescribed allocation.

The Supreme Court is expected to hear Tamil Nadu's petition in the coming days. No fresh interim order has been issued so far, with both states set to present their arguments in the latest phase of the long-standing inter-state river dispute.