Tamil Nadu vs Karnataka Over Cauvery Water: SC Hears Fresh Battle Over 20 TMC Deficit

The Cauvery water dispute saw strong arguments from both Tamil Nadu and Karnataka before the Supreme Court. Tamil Nadu alleged that there is a 20 TMC shortfall in water release and that the deficit is not being addressed by Karnataka. Karnataka responded that due to extreme drought conditions, it has been unable to fully comply. The matter has been posted for October 12.

Post Published By: Sreeja Chowdhury

Updated : 24 September 2026, 4:10 PM IST

Supreme Court bench hears arguments in the long-standing Cauvery water dispute case (Img: Pinterest)

New Delhi: The Tamil Nadu government contended before the Supreme Court on Thursday that the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) and Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) are not addressing its deficit regarding water release, calling it a sensitive issue because Karnataka is usurping all the water, thereby depriving Tamil Nadu.

The matter came up before a bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and A G Masih. During the hearing on the Cauvery river water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, arguments were made about crop failure, monsoon deficit and the drought situation.

SC Seeks Karnataka’s Response on Tamil Nadu Plea

The Bench asked the Karnataka government to respond to Tamil Nadu's application for the release of its share of water and added that Tamil Nadu has raised the deficit issue, on which the CWMA should be allowed to take a call.

During the hearing, Tamil Nadu's counsel contended that there is a 20 TMC shortfall, and the CWRC and CWMA are not addressing the issue.

Tamil Nadu argued that the Bench must pass an order regarding the shortfall and why that is not being addressed, and they are not passing an order in the tribunal.

Karnataka Cites Drought Conditions, Says Water Is Being Released

Replying to Tamil Nadu’s arguments, the Karnataka counsel argued that there are directions issued by the CWMA, which monitors the situation on a regular basis, and they are doing it every 15 days.

"Whatever directions have been passed, despite this being a drought year, it is becoming impossible for us to comply, but considering the larger perspective, we have taken it on the chin. We have been releasing the water. So much so that there is an excess amount compared to the CWMA, which has been released."

Matter Posted for October 12 Hearing

Karnataka submitted that in the last 15 days, there was some excess and some deficit. The Bench observed that Karnataka has been releasing 6,000 cusecs, and Tamil Nadu is arguing only about the deficit.

The Bench said Tamil Nadu has raised the deficit issue, so the CWMA should be allowed to take a call.

The Bench scheduled the matter for further hearing on October 12.