Karnataka reported releasing 11,547 cusecs on Monday — above CWMA’s 9,000-cusec direction. Tamil Nadu told the bench the proportionate-share backlog has not been cleared.
The Supreme Court on Monday took up Tamil Nadu's Cauvery water plea for the third consecutive Monday, with Karnataka telling the bench it is now releasing water above the mandated level while Tamil Nadu pressed for clearance of the accumulated backlog — and the court listing the matter again for a further hearing.
Senior advocate Shyam Divan, appearing for Karnataka, told the bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta that Karnataka had released 10,727 cusecs on the first day and 11,547 cusecs by Monday morning — both above the 9,000-cusec figure directed by the CWMA on August 25. Karnataka argued it was in compliance, and noted that the state had declared severe drought in parts of its Cauvery basin districts.
Senior advocate C. S. Vaidyanathan, for Tamil Nadu, acknowledged that water was now flowing but pressed a different point: the backlog — the shortfall that accumulated over the period when Karnataka was releasing less than its proportionate obligation — has not been made up. The CWMA had not passed any direction requiring Karnataka to clear that deficit, and Tamil Nadu was seeking such a direction.
Vaidyanathan also noted that the CWRC was reviewing the situation every 15 days, and that Tamil Nadu's request for proportionate-share accounting had not yet been addressed by the CWMA.
| Date | Development |
|---|---|
| Aug 12 | CWRC directed Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs for 15 days |
| Aug 17 | SC directed Karnataka to "ensure compliance" — CWMA status report sought |
| Aug 25 | CWMA upheld CWRC direction at 9,000 cusecs (revised from 12,000) |
| Aug 24 | SC permitted TN to raise backlog grievance before CWMA; adjourned to Aug 31 |
| Aug 31 | Karnataka reports 11,547 cusecs released; TN presses for backlog clearance |
The bench posted the matter for hearing on September 15, directing both parties to file updates on subsequent developments. The CWRC continues to review the position every 15 days. Tamil Nadu's core argument — that even current compliance does not compensate for the proportionate shortfall accumulated during the rain-deficient weeks of July and August — remains live before the CWMA.
Separately, CM Vijay will travel to Mettur on Tuesday, September 1, to open the sluice gates of the Stanley Reservoir for Cauvery delta irrigation — a release delayed 81 days beyond the traditional June 12 date because of inadequate inflows caused partly by Karnataka's earlier non-release. See: Vijay Opens Mettur Dam — 81 Days Late, Delta Farmers Finally Get Water.
Cauvery Supreme Court Karnataka August 31, 2026