Bengaluru: A Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court will be filed by the State government challenging the Mahadayi River Water Tribunal’s rejection of Karnataka’s plea to use 7 tmcft of water for drinking water purposes.

Water Resources Minister M B Patil said that the SLP will be filed by the month-end.

A meeting was held on Friday by the minister and senior officers with a legal team in New Delhi that is arguing the state’s case in the dispute between Karnataka and Goa. It was decoded during the meeting to approach the Apex Court and not file an appeal before the tribunal, which was also one of the options. According to sources, the legal team advised the government to approach the SC.

Speaking to media on Friday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that the state government is filing a petition in SC next week challenging the dismissal of state’s plea over the release of Mahadayi water for drinking and irrigation purpose. 

It may be recalled that after the verdict of the tribunal, people in Mumbai-Karnataka region had launched massive protests and had set fire to many government offices and vehicles. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had convened an all-party meeting to take leaders of all parties into confidence, while the state continue to explore legal and political options to resolve the inter-state water dispute.

Meanwhile, the Siddaramaiah also said that the state government is ready for legal battle with Tamil Nadu over Cauvery river water sharing dispute if it takes it up to SC. State is facing severe drought situation and is not in a situation to release water to Tamil Nadu as per its demands, he said.

The statement came in the backdrop of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s statement accusing Karnataka state government for releasing its due water and if situation demands TN is ready to take up legal battle once again in SC.