The Supreme Court reprimanded the Delhi government on Monday for its failure to rectify deficiencies in its petition, aimed at compelling Haryana to release surplus water supplied by Himachal Pradesh to alleviate Delhi’s water crisis. The court cautioned against taking its proceedings lightly, emphasizing the importance of addressing procedural flaws.
The vacation bench, comprising Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice Prasanna B Varale, noted that the Delhi government’s submissions were being rejected due to procedural defects, which had not been rectified despite earlier reminders.
Expressing dissatisfaction, the bench warned, “Do not take us for granted.” It criticized the lax approach of the Delhi government towards the urgency of the matter, urging adherence to proper legal procedures.
The court deferred the hearing to June 12, asserting its intention to review all relevant documents before proceeding. It emphasized the need to avoid reliance solely on media reports, underscoring the significance of a thorough examination of the case records.
During the session, senior advocate Shyam Divan, representing Haryana, presented the state’s response, prompting the court to question the timing of the submission. Divan clarified that the response was filed due to the persisting deficiencies in Delhi’s petition.
The court’s scrutiny underscores the gravity of the water scarcity issue in Delhi. In an earlier directive, the court had mandated Himachal Pradesh to release surplus water to Delhi, stressing the non-partisan nature of water management and highlighting Himachal Pradesh’s cooperation in addressing the crisis.
The apex court’s directives underscore the urgency of the situation, with instructions for immediate action to mitigate the water crisis. The involvement of the Upper Yamuna River Board (UYRB) further highlights the collaborative effort required among the concerned states to manage water resources effectively.
