CJI again recuses from hearing AP-Telangana water dispute after states refuse mediation

The Andhra Pradesh government has accused Telangana of pumping more water from Srisailam, Nagarjuna Sagar and Pulichintala reservoirs -- these reservoirs are common to both states -- thus causing a major damage to downstream irrigation in its territory. After CJI recused himself from hearing the matter, it will now be listed before another bench

New Delhi:Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana on Wednesday once again recused himself from hearing the water dispute between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. His decision comes after the two states, that are entangled in a legal war over the sharing of water from River Krishna, refused any scope of mediation that the CJI suggested on Monday. The matter will now be listed before another bench of the Supreme Court.

The matter was first listed on August 2 before the CJI-led bench during which he had requested the states to mediate and resolve the issue amicably. He also said the apex court could offer help in mediation. However, the two states did not accept the offer.

"We can not force you if you don't want mediation. Let the matter be listed before another bench," Justice NV Ramana said on Wednesday. Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta said the states had no issues with him hearing the matter. However, the CJI refused. "No, how can I hear it? List it before another bench," he said. On Monday, Chief Justice Ramana had recused himself from hearing the Krishna River water dispute between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana saying he "belongs to both the states".

Andhra Pradesh has accused its neighbour Telangana of indiscriminately drawing water from River Krishna for generating electricity and alleged that the latter had thereby violated a 2015 agreement. Telangana was carved out of Andhra Pradesh in 2014. Sharing of water from rivers Krishna and Godavari, that flow through both the states, has been a bone of contention between the two neighbours since then. The 2015 agreement states that water from River Krishna has to be shared between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in the ratio 66:34, i.e 512 tmc and 299 tmc, respectively.

The Andhra Pradesh government has accused Telangana of pumping more water from Srisailam, Nagarjuna Sagar and Pulichintala reservoirs -- these reservoirs are common to both states -- thus causing a major damage to downstream irrigation in its territory. Andhra Pradesh has requested the Supreme Court to issue directions to the Ministry of Jal Shakti to take control of these reservoirs.

The court was hearing the petition filed by Andhra Pradesh government against Telangana.