The Supreme Court on Monday adjourned the ongoing Cauvery water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka for a week, after hearing arguments over Karnataka’s compliance with the Cauvery Water Management Authority’s (CWMA) direction to ensure a flow of 12,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu per day for 15 days from August 12, 2026.

Appearing for Tamil Nadu, counsel submitted that despite the CWMA’s directions, the required water was not reaching the State, leaving it unable to release adequate water to agriculturists. Counsel for the Petitioner argued that Karnataka could not retain the available water and pointed out that, although Karnataka’s reservoirs had 76% live storage, Tamil Nadu had received only 14 TMC against 64 TMC contemplated under the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal Award. Even assuming a deficit year, counsel submitted that Tamil Nadu was entitled to a proportionate quantity and claimed that a substantial backlog remained.

Senior Advocate Shyam Diwan, appearing for Karnataka, disputed Tamil Nadu’s allegation of non-compliance, submitting that the Cauvery basin was facing extremely severe distress and that there was an enormous deficit in Karnataka’s reservoirs. He argued that the CWMA was an expert body which was fully apprised of the situation and had issued its directions after considering the prevailing circumstances.

Sr Adv Shyam Diwan submitted that the first CWMA direction, covering the period up to August 11, required Karnataka to ensure a flow of 3,500 cusecs at Biligundulu, the measuring point before the water enters Tamil Nadu. He contended that although the flow was below the prescribed level during the initial days, it subsequently increased substantially and the overall flow during the control period exceeded the stipulated requirement. He therefore termed the allegation that Karnataka was not complying with the CWMA order as incorrect.

On the subsequent 12,000-cusecs direction, Sr Adv Diwan told the Court that water released from Karnataka’s reservoirs takes approximately 48 hours to reach Biligundulu and that certain protocols have to be followed. He acknowledged that the flow had been lower than 12,000 cusecs during the first four to five days, but submitted that Karnataka expected to make up the shortfall. As of 8 a.m. on August 17, he said, the flow had reached 12,607 cusecs, exceeding the CWMA requirement, and that the gates had been opened with instructions to endeavour to maintain the 12,000-cusecs flow.

The Bench questioned on whether Karnataka’s position was that it had complied with the direction to release 12,000 cusecs every day after August 12. After hearing both sides and examining the material placed before it, the Court adjourned the matter for a week, with the issue of compliance with the CWMA directions remaining under consideration.