Article 262 of the Indian Constitution deals with inter-state water disputes:
- Parliament's Power: Parliament can create laws for resolving disputes regarding the use, distribution, and control of waters of inter-state rivers and river valleys.
- Exclusion of Courts: Parliament can also make laws preventing the Supreme Court and other courts from exercising jurisdiction over these disputes.
Legislation Enacted:
- River Boards Act (1956): This act provides for the creation of river boards for the regulation and development of inter-state rivers and river valleys. The central government can establish a river board upon request from the state governments involved.
- Inter-State Water Disputes Act (1956): This act allows the central government to set up an ad hoc tribunal to resolve disputes between two or more states regarding inter-state rivers or river valleys.
- The tribunal's decision is final and binding on all parties involved.
- No court, including the Supreme Court, can have jurisdiction over disputes referred to such tribunals.
Tribunals:
- As of 2019, the central government has established nine inter-state water dispute tribunals to resolve conflicts.