Mahanadi dispute: Supreme Court directs Centre to constitute tribunal in a month

Bhubaneswar/New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the Central Government to form a tribunal to resolve the dispute between Odisha and Chhattisgarh over the Mahanadi river water-sharing dispute within a month.

A bench comprising Justices SA Bobde and L Nageswara Rao directed the Centre to constitute a tribunal within a month.

Today, the apex court heard the original suit of Odisha Government in which it demanded constitution of a tribunal to resolve the inter-State Mahanadi river water sharing dispute with Chhattisgarh.

Earlier the matter had been listed to be heard at Court number 7 before a two-judge bench comprising Justice SA Bobde and Justice L Nageswara Rao on January 18. But due to the absence of Justice Bobde on January 18, the matter could not be taken up.

Earlier on December 12 last year, the same bench had came down heavily on the Union Government for not constituting a tribunal after receiving the application from the State Government within the stipulated time of one year.

On the other hand, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday welcomed the directive of the Supreme Court over the Mahanadi issue. He said order of the apex court will go a long way in protecting the interests of people in Odisha.

Heartily welcome Hon’ble Supreme Court orders to Centre on constitution of #Mahanadi Tribunal. #Odisha’s stand has been vindicated. Mahanadi is the lifeline of our state. Hon’ble Apex Court order will go a long way in protecting the interests of our people especially our farmers

— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) January 23, 2018