Today(on 10th June),The Supreme Court adjourned the hearing on the Aam Aadmi Party government’s plea regarding the water supply issue from Himachal Pradesh to Delhi, citing unresolved defects in the petition. Justices PK Mishra and KV Viswanathan criticized the Delhi government’s lawyer for not rectifying the defects and expressed a desire to review corrected affidavits and files before proceeding further.
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NEW DELHI: Today(on 10th June), The Supreme Court of India has delayed proceedings on a critical water supply case involving the Delhi government’s request for an increased allocation of water from Himachal Pradesh. The decision came after the Court identified unresolved issues in the petition documents.
During a session presided over by Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice Prasanna B Varale, it was decided that the hearing would be deferred due to incomplete corrections in the petition filed by the Delhi government. The justices, forming a Vacation Bench, have expressed the necessity to thoroughly examine the case files before proceeding, especially in light of extensive media coverage that could potentially influence judicial perception.
“Schedule it for the day after tomorrow so that all the reports and documents are officially recorded. Additionally, we need to thoroughly review the file ourselves. The extensive media coverage means we cannot solely rely on media reports; it’s imperative we examine the files to form our own judgments.”
– stated Justice Mishra, highlighting the need for a careful and informed approach given the public and media interest in the case.
Noting that the status reports and affidavits from state governments are not on record since defects were not removed, the court listed the matter for June 12 for further hearing.
The Supreme Court had initially addressed the urgency of the situation on June 6, ordering the Himachal Pradesh government to release 137 cusecs of water. This directive also included a mandate for the State of Haryana to assist in ensuring that the water reaches Delhi smoothly. This intervention by the Court underscores the pressing nature of Delhi’s water needs amidst growing demand and environmental concerns.
ALSO READ: [Breaking] Delhi Water Crisis: SC Orders HP to Release 137 Cusecs, Directs Haryana Not to Obstruct
However, during the recent hearing, the Court noted that necessary documents such as the status report and other affidavits were not presented, indicating that the defects in the petition had still not been rectified. This procedural lapse has led to a postponement in resolving what is becoming an increasingly contentious issue involving multiple states.
The Supreme Court today took a strong stand against the Delhi government’s failure to address defects in its petition concerning the water supply from Haryana. The water passes through a canal in Haryana before reaching Delhi, a crucial supply line that has become a point of contention amid the ongoing heatwave.
During the hearing, the Court expressed its displeasure right from the outset.
“Last week, we highlighted the issues, yet they remain unaddressed. Mr. Singhvi has not rectified the defects.”
– the Court stated firmly to the counsel representing the Delhi government.
This remark highlighted the Court’s frustration with the city’s administration over the unresolved issues in the petition.
The Court went further to issue a stark warning, threatening to dismiss the case if the defects were not rectified promptly.
“We will not tolerate any attempts to deceive this court. Allow the court office to confirm whether the defects have been rectified. If not, we will have no choice but to dismiss the petition.”
– the Court warned, underscoring the seriousness of the matter.
Despite the counsel representing the Delhi government asserting that the defects had been addressed, the Court insisted on thorough verification. The Court was assured that any remaining defects would be promptly removed, indicating a commitment from the Delhi government to comply with the Court’s directives.
The Delhi government, in its plea, has requested additional water as a stop-gap emergency measure during the severe heatwave that has gripped the national capital. The city’s administration argues that the extra water supply is essential to cope with the increased demand and to ensure the well-being of its residents during this challenging period.
Previously, the top court had directed the Central government to convene a meeting with all stakeholders involved, who are part of the Upper Yamuna River Board, to address the Delhi government’s urgent water demands. This directive was aimed at fostering a collaborative approach to resolving the water crisis and ensuring a fair distribution of resources among the states involved.
ALSO READ: Delhi Govt Moves To SC over Haryana not Releasing City’s Water Share: Water Minister Atishi
CASE TITLE:
Government of NCT of Delhi v. State of Haryana and Ors.
