The Supreme Court on Monday directed Karnataka to comply with the directions of the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) concerning the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. The Bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta also sought an updated status of the water releases before considering the dispute further.
The Court was hearing Tamil Nadu's application seeking implementation of the CWMA directions for releasing water from Karnataka's reservoirs.
Background of the Case
Tamil Nadu told the Court that Karnataka had not released the quantity of Cauvery water required under the directions issued by the competent water management authorities. Senior Advocate C.S. Vaidyanathan, appearing for Tamil Nadu, submitted that the State had received only around 14 TMC of water against its claimed entitlement of 64 TMC.
Tamil Nadu also relied on the rainfall deficit and said that, even after accounting for the reduced inflows, a proportionate share of water was still due. According to the State, there was a backlog of about 20 TMC and the shortage was affecting the availability of water for irrigation.
Karnataka, however, disputed the allegation of non-compliance.
Senior Advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for Karnataka, submitted that the Cauvery basin was facing severe water distress. He said Karnataka had complied with the earlier CWMA direction requiring a release of 3,500 cusecs for 15 days and had, in fact, released substantially more water.
On the subsequent direction concerning a flow of 12,000 cusecs, Divan acknowledged that the flow had remained lower for several days but said Karnataka would make up the shortfall. He informed the Court that the flow had risen to 12,607 cusecs on Monday morning.
Court's Observation
During the hearing, the Bench examined the figures placed by both States and questioned the position regarding the overall quantity of water already released.
The Court observed,
“Instead of 9.720, if you add the total, you already have more than that. Earlier also they (Karnataka) has released much more water.”
The Bench said it would be appropriate to examine the position again after receiving further information on the actual releases.
Supreme Court's Decision
The Court directed Karnataka to ensure compliance with the CWMA directions and called for the latest status of water releases.
The Bench recorded,
“Let this matter be posted after a week so that further status regarding the release of water can be reported. In the meantime, the respondent to ensure compliance of CWMA directions.”
The matter was accordingly adjourned and directed to be listed on August 24, 2026.
Case Details
Case Title: State of Tamil Nadu v. State of Karnataka
Case Number: MA 2445/2026 in C.A. No. 2453/2007; Diary No. 46527/2026
Judge: Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta
Decision Date: August 17, 2026
