- Article 262: Empowers Parliament to legislate on the adjudication of disputes concerning inter-state rivers and river valleys. It also allows Parliament to exclude the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and other courts in such disputes.
- Legislation Enacted
- River Boards Act, 1956: Establishes river boards to regulate and develop inter-state rivers and their valleys.
- Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956: Empowers the Central government to create ad hoc tribunals for resolving disputes between states.
- Key Features of Tribunals:
- The tribunal’s decision is final and binding.
- Courts, including the Supreme Court, have no jurisdiction over matters referred to these tribunals.
- Tribunals Established (as of 2019): Nine tribunals have been set up, including
- Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal (I and II)
- Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal
- Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal
- Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal