Punjab Govt Defies HC on Water Sharing; Chief Justice Warns of Stern Action

The Punjab-Haryana water dispute took a dramatic turn on Friday when the Punjab and Haryana High Court heard a contempt petition filed by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) against the Punjab government.

- TARUNI GANDHI

During the nearly hour-long hearing, Punjab's legal team flatly refused to comply with the court's earlier directives, arguing that the High Court has no authority to issue orders on water distribution.

The defiance prompted Chief Justice Sheel Nagu to abruptly leave the courtroom, warning, "Now wait and watch for our orders," before reportedly moving to his chambers to draft a formal ruling.

The dispute centers on Punjab's control over the Bhakra Nangal Dam and the Lohar control room, where earlier court orders had directed the Punjab government to keep police away from daily operations while permitting increased security if needed. The state was also expected to comply with directions issued during a May 2 meeting chaired by the Union Home Secretary, or else present its objections to the Centre via the BBMB chairman rather than block operations.