Thread by @barandbench

Supreme Court Bench headed by Justice AM Khanwilkar to hear plea by Kerala govt today to maintain water level in Mullaperiyar dam at 139 feet in view of incessant rains in the State. 139 feet is the height which was ordered by SC during 2018 floods. #Kerala #keralafloods

Adv Wills Mathew: Due to heavy rains in Kerala, water levels in Mulleperiyar dam has risen. Life of people is in danger. matter needs serious consideration

Justice Khanwilkar: let us hear the other side

ASG Aishwarya Bhati: the report of the expert committee is placed on record for your kind perusal. #supremecourt #Mullaperiyar

Adv G Prakash for Kerala: The state has filed an application for adjournment. We want to keep the height of the dam by another 39 feet. SC had stated it cannot be raised more than 139 feet. If its not done it will harm the people in lower stream #supremecourt

SC: It is being stated that there is an immediate need to raise the level. Can you let us know if that is possible? Please understand the anxiousness of the other party...the committee needs to take a call about the maximum level

ASG Aishwarya Bhati: let us take instructions

SC: We cannot decide the level, only expert committee can take a call

Sr Adv Jaideep Gupta: Today the level is 137 please ask Tamil Nadu to maintain it at 137 till tomorrow

Sr Adv Krishnamurthy, AAG of TN: CM of Kerala has asked us to inform them if shutters are opened. We will maintained 137 level. However in earlier judgment it was stated our levels can be till 142.

SC: We will hear this case day after tomorrow

Sr Adv Jaideep Gupta: there is a heavy rainfall forecast and please ask them to maintain them at 137. when there is risk court will err on the side of caution

SC: First we have to say there is risk. where are you taking us Mr Gupta? please act responsibly.

SC: We direct all parties to consult each other and take a call in coordination with state governments about the water level. It is about the life and property of people. it is serious situation on ground. this is not a political arena

SC: If the parties do their job we don't have to enter this.
#supremecourt