On Monday, July 13, 2026, the Supreme Court of India declined to entertain a lawsuit brought forth by the Telangana government under Article 131 of the Constitution. This suit sought to prevent Andhra Pradesh from continuing preparatory and project-related activities concerning the proposed Polavaram–Banakacherla/Nallamalasagar Link Project. The court cited procedural deficiencies in the filing as the primary reason for its decision.
A Bench comprised of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta stated that the suit could not proceed until the Telangana government rectified the requisite procedural formalities. The Bench remarked,
“This matter cannot be taken up by the court today as there are some deficiencies and formalities to be fulfilled by the petitioner…”
The Supreme Court clarified that the case would be rescheduled by the Registry in accordance with the relevant rules, contingent on the completion of the necessary procedural requirements.
Representing the Telangana government, senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi indicated that they would address the procedural issues promptly and requested that once these are resolved, the matter be relisted for hearing.
Details of the Dispute
The ongoing dispute centers around Andhra Pradesh’s initiative to divert surplus waters from the Godavari River through the Polavaram reservoir to the drought-affected Banakacherla region in Rayalaseema. This project is being promoted by Andhra Pradesh as a significant step toward enhancing irrigation capabilities, expanding drinking water supplies, and recharging groundwater in areas facing water scarcity.
Conversely, Telangana has consistently opposed this proposal, arguing that it infringes upon its rightful share of Godavari waters and violates the decision rendered by the Godavari Water Disputes Tribunal. Telangana asserts that the tribunal’s decision governs the allocation of water resources among states and that any unilateral action by Andhra Pradesh would contravene established legal protocols.
History of Legal Challenges
This suit is not Telangana’s initial effort to contest the project at the Supreme Court. Earlier in January, the state withdrew a writ petition after the Supreme Court expressed a preliminary view that the petition was not maintainable. A Bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant dismissed this petition but allowed Telangana the opportunity to seek any other lawful remedy, including filing a suit under Article 131, which pertains to disputes between states.
The Chief Justice remarked that pursuing a suit under Article 131 might provide a “more comprehensive and effective” resolution, as the core of the controversy involves an inter-state water dispute. In the court’s words,
“Ultimately, at the end of the day, it is a water dispute… and you apprehend that their project might affect your share of the Godavari water.”
Furthermore, Telangana has argued that the proposed project contradicts the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act of 2014, which emphasizes the need for cooperative federalism and equitable sharing of water resources following the bifurcation of the former state.
