'I belong to both the states' : CJI Ramana opts out of Krishna river case
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New Delhi: Chief Justice N.V. Ramana on Monday said he would not hear the plea by the Andhra Pradesh government alleging that the Telangana government has deprived it of its legitimate share of water for drinking and irrigation purposes and termed it "unconstitutional and illegal".
"I don't want to hear this matter legally. I belong to both the states. If the matter can be settled in mediation, please do that" said Justice Ramana to the told counsel of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana governments.
"I wish that both of you convince your governments and settle the matter. We don't want to interfere unnecessarily"the Chief Justice added.
Senior advocate Dushyant Dave, representing the Andhra Pradesh government, sought more time to seek instructions in the matter.
In it's petition, Andhra Pradesh government has submitted that Telangana is refusing to follow decisions taken in the apex council constituted under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganization Act, 2014, directions of Krishna River Management Board (KRMB) constituted under this Act and directions of the Centre.
Under Section 87(1) the board can exercise jurisdiction only in respect of such aspects as are notified by the Centre, but no such notification has been issued so far, the plea said.
The plea further argued that in view of no progress on notification of the jurisdiction of KRMB, Telangana by its acts of commission is seriously affecting the water supply to Andhra Pradesh for irrigation and other purposes.
The use of water from Srisailam Dam project,for generation of power in Telangana,has seriously depleted the reservoir's quantity as established by "daily readings" submitted by dam authorities, said the plea.
The Andhra government contended that this has caused immense hardship to its people, as availability of water has been seriously prejudiced by depletion in Srisailam Dam project as well as other projects such as the Nagarjuna Sagar Project and the Pulichintala Project.
The Andhra government also argued that actions of the Telangana government are unconstitutional and in violation of right to life of its people.
The top court said it will take up the case on Wednesday.