SC issues notice on State plea against tribunal order

The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued notice to the Centre and Andhra Pradesh on a petition filed by Karnataka, challenging the prescription of Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal for drawing water.

A bench of Justices S J Mukhopadhaya and Prafulla Chandra Pant also admitted for hearing two special leave petitions filed by Andhra Pradesh challenging the order passed by tribunal in 2010 and in 2013. The court sought response from Karnataka and the Centre on two petitions.

The court posted the matter for further hearing after six weeks.

The Andhra Pradesh government had approached the apex court challenging the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal II order permitting Karnataka to raise the height of the Almatti dam from 519.6 to 524.25 metres.

The Karnataka government, however, contended that the prescription made by the tribunal for water on November 29, 2013, was without jurisdiction.