Tamil Nadu Petitions Supreme Court Over Cauvery Water Dispute

The Government of Tamil Nadu filed a petition in the Supreme Court on August 3, 2026, seeking to compel Karnataka to release its rightful share of Cauvery water. The state alleges that Karnataka ignored orders from the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee and the Cauvery Water Management Authority to maintain a flow of 3,500 cusecs at Biligundlu from July 29 to August 12, reporting actual inflows of only 158 to 550 cusecs. Tamil Nadu argues it is entitled to 26.954 TMC based on Karnataka's reservoir storage, significantly more than the 4.536 TMC directed by regulators.

These legal actions coincide with widespread unrest. In Tiruchirappalli, farmers led by Ayya Kannu staged a protest on the banks of the Cauvery River, burying themselves in sand to demand water for the Kuruvai crop. Simultaneously, DMK President MK Stalin and Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin led rallies in Thanjavur, demanding loan waivers and drought-affected status for Delta districts. The DMK criticized Chief Minister Joseph Vijay for his perceived silence regarding Karnataka's actions and the arrest of Tamil Nadu farmers in Nagpur.

The conflict is further exacerbated by the proposed Mekedatu reservoir project. While Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar claims the project would benefit Tamil Nadu, officials and political leaders in Tamil Nadu oppose it, fearing it will restrict downstream water flow.