New Delhi
During a hearing on the Delhi government’s plea for additional water from neighboring states, the Supreme Court criticized the city government for neglecting court procedures. The Bench, led by Justice P.K. Mishra and including Justice P.B. Varale, expressed frustration over unresolved procedural issues, warning the Delhi government against taking court proceedings lightly.
We will dismiss this petition. This was pointed out last time too, but you did not address the defects. Court proceedings cannot be taken for granted, no matter how important the case, Justice Mishra admonished.
The Bench was upset after learning that respondents (the Union, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh governments) couldn’t file status reports due to the Delhi government’s procedural lapses. The Delhi government’s counsel apologized and promised to rectify the issues by the end of the day.
Adjourning the matter to June 12, the court criticized the practice of submitting documents directly in open court, emphasizing the need to review files outside of court to avoid media influence.
Previously, the SC ordered Himachal Pradesh to release 137 cusecs of surplus water on June 7, ensuring its uninterrupted flow to Delhi. The court instructed Haryana to facilitate this process and urged the Delhi government to follow measures by the Upper Yamuna River Board to prevent water wastage amid the city’s acute drinking water shortage. Compliance affidavits were to be filed by June 10.
