The one-day special session of the Karnataka legislature is set to happen on Friday in the wake of Supreme Court order on Wednesday to release 6000 cusecs of Cauvery water daily till September 27 to its neighbouring state Tamil Nadu.
Reports suggest that the special session is expected to pass a resolution expressing the state’s inability to abide by the SC order, considering the acute water crisis in the state.
The SC on Wednesday also ordered for the constitution of Cauvery Water Management Board. The special session of the legislature is expected to raise its objection towards the formation of the board, reports say.
Former advocate general BV Acharya told The Times of India that Karnataka will also have to factor in the contempt petition TN is contemplating to file against it for defying SC: “I don't know what's going to happen at the session, but the state is certainly heading for a constitutional crisis. I hope the Centre acts.”
By calling for a special session, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has managed to project the issue as a legislature vs judiciary issue.
Meeting Union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti in New Delhi on Thursday, Siddaramaiah urged the Centre to intervene in the Cauvery dispute.
The Chief Minister, along with state Water Resource Minister MB Patil told Uma Bharti about the practical difficulties in implementing the SC order for further release of Cauvery water. They are also reported to have expressed opposition to the constitution of Cauvery Water Management Board.
Acknowledging the distress of the state of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah urged the Centre to file objections before the SC.