Part XI - Relations • Article

Article 262 Simplified: Adjudication of disputes relating to waters of inter-State rivers or river valleys

Article 262 enables Parliament to make laws to adjudicate disputes regarding the sharing, use, or control of water in inter-state rivers or river valleys. It also permits Parliament to completely exclude the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and all other courts over such water disputes.

Official Text

(1) Parliament may by law provide for the adjudication of any dispute or complaint with respect to the use, distribution or control of the waters of, or in, any inter-State river or river valley. (2) Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, Parliament may by law provide that neither the Supreme Court nor any other court shall exercise jurisdiction in respect of any such dispute or complaint as is referred to in clause (1).

Simple Meaning

Explain Like Ten

If two states fight over who gets how much water from a river that flows through both, Parliament can set up a special committee (tribunal) to decide. The normal courts, including the Supreme Court, are not allowed to interfere in this decision.

Student Mode

Article 262 provides a special constitutional mechanism for resolving inter-state river water conflicts. Clause (1) enables Parliament to legislate for the adjudication of water disputes. Clause (2) contains an extraordinary provision allowing Parliament to bar the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and all other courts over these disputes. Under this article, Parliament enacted the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, leading to the creation of water tribunals (e.g., Cauvery, Krishna, Narmada tribunals).

Example

Using this article, Parliament enacted the Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956, and set up the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal. Because of Article 262, the Supreme Court cannot directly hear or interfere in the tribunal's core water-sharing adjudication.

Key Takeaway

Article 262 provides a specialized, tribunal-based resolution mechanism for inter-state river water conflicts, removing them from regular court litigation.

FAQs

Can the Supreme Court hear appeals on the merits of water disputes decided by a tribunal under Article 262?

No. Article 262(2) allows Parliament to exclude court jurisdiction, and the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act has done so. However, the Supreme Court does sometimes hear related issues under Article 136 (Special Leave) on procedural or non-adjudicatory grounds.

What is the primary law passed by Parliament under Article 262?

The Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.

Quiz

Which article of the Constitution allows Parliament to exclude the Supreme Court's jurisdiction in river water disputes?

Answer: Article 262

Which Act was passed by Parliament in 1956 under the authority of Article 262?

Answer: Inter-State River Water Disputes Act