Saturday, March 29, 2025
Chandigarh, May 14 – Punjab achieved a major legal milestone in its water-sharing battle with Haryana. The Punjab and Haryana High Court accepted the state’s review petition against releasing additional water and sent formal notices to Haryana and the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).
The High Court took Punjab’s petition seriously. It asked Haryana why it needs extra water and ordered both Haryana and BBMB to file clear responses. The court also demanded an explanation from BBMB over its changing statements during previous hearings.
Earlier, Punjab had argued that BBMB Chairman Manoj Tripathi contradicted himself. In a May 8 court hearing, Tripathi claimed Punjab Police helped him safely exit during protests. But in a May 9 affidavit, he alleged unlawful detention by Punjab authorities. The court questioned this sudden reversal and sought clarification.
Punjab’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) welcomed the court’s stance.
“We won’t surrender Punjab’s water rights. We will fight on every platform,” AAP leaders declared.
“This ruling marks a crucial turn in our fight for fair water distribution,” the party said.
Punjab had filed the review petition to challenge an earlier directive asking it to release extra water to Haryana. With the High Court now recognizing the issue’s seriousness, Punjab’s position has strengthened both legally and politically.
Summary:
Punjab scored a legal win in the High Court, which admitted its review plea over the water release order. The court issued notices to Haryana and BBMB, asking them to justify their demands. AAP called the decision a major political and legal success for Punjab.
