SC rejects Karnataka prayer to stall finalisation of draft scheme

The Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected Karnataka's plea that finalisation of the draft Cauvery management scheme should be put on hold as the process of formation of a new government in the state is underway. The bench has now fixed the matter for tomorrow to consider the modified draft scheme.

The apex court also asked the Centre to modify a provision in the draft Cauvery management scheme that authorises the Union government to issue directions "from time to time" on Cauvery water distribution between four southern riparian states, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Puducherry. A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra asked Attorney General K K Venugopal to modify the scheme and submit it for approval on Thursday. Earlier, the Karnataka government requested the apex court to adjourn case as the process of forming government is still going on in the state. While Tamil Nadu opposed the plea of Karnataka seeking deferment of the case. "All the states concerned are making submissions to the draft scheme. I am requesting for adjournment till first week of July as I do not have the assistance and instruction from the council of ministers of Karnataka," Divan said. "It was the Centre which has to set up the draft scheme," the court said while rejecting Karnataka's plea. The Centre on Monday had submitted the draft Cauvery management scheme in the Supreme Court for its approval.