Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 and Article 262
The Constitution of India, under Article 262, empowers Parliament to provide by law for the adjudication of disputes relating to the use, distribution, or control of waters of any inter-state river or river valley. Parliament may also bar the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court or any other court in such matters. Pursuant to this, the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 was enacted. Under this Act, when a state government makes a complaint that its water interests have been or are likely to be affected by another state, the Central Government may constitute a Water Disputes Tribunal for adjudication of the dispute.
- Article 262 of the Constitution: Parliament can legislate on inter-state river disputes and exclude Supreme Court jurisdiction
- Tribunals under the Act consist of a Chairman and two members nominated by the Chief Justice of India from judges of the Supreme Court or High Courts
- Two assessors (water resources experts) assist the Tribunal
- Tribunal awards, once notified by the Central Government in the Gazette, are binding on the states concerned and have the same force as a Supreme Court decree
● Tracked since April 22, 2026 · last seen August 16, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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