State of Tamil Nadu v. The State of Karnataka 2026 INSC 113 - InterState River Water Disputes
Supreme Court Directs Centre To Constitute A Water Disputes Tribunal For The Adjudication Of The Inter Se Water Dispute Between States Of Tamil Nadu And Karnataka
Inter State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 - Where the statutorily prescribed negotiation process conducted under the aegis of the Central Government fails to bring about a resolution of an inter-State River water dispute, it becomes imperative for the Central Government to constitute a River Water Disputes Tribunal, and to refer the dispute for adjudication to such Tribunal. - Central Government directed to issue an appropriate notification in the Official Gazette and to constitute a Water Disputes Tribunal for the adjudication of the inter se water dispute between the parties (States of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka)
Case Info
Case name: The State of Tamil Nadu v. The State of Karnataka & Anr.
Neutral citation: 2026 INSC 113
Coram: Vikram Nath, J. and N. V. Anjaria, J.
Judgment date: 02 February 2026
Statutes / laws referred:The judgment arises under Article 131 of the Constitution of India and Part III of the Supreme Court Rules, 2013, and centrally concerns the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, especially Sections 3 and 4 (negotiation process and constitution of a Tribunal). It also proceeds on the basis of an 1892 Agreement between the erstwhile States of Madras and Mysore governing use and control of inter‑State river waters.
Caselaw and citations referred:The Court relies on and quotes from T.N. Cauvery Neerppasana Vilaiporulgal Vivasayigal Nala Urimai Padhugappa Sangam v. Union of India, (1990) 3 SCC 440, to hold that once negotiations fail, it is mandatory for the Central Government to constitute a Water Disputes Tribunal under Section 4 of the 1956 Act.
