Under Article 262 of the Indian Constitution, which option correctly represents the extent of Parliament’s power in matters of inter-State water disputes?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2 i.e. Create tribunals for water disputes and exclude Supreme Court review.
Article 262 provides Parliament with two key powers concerning disputes over inter-State river waters:
1. Power to Adjudicate:
Parliament is empowered to enact laws for resolving disputes or complaints related to the use, distribution, or control of waters in any inter-State river or river valley. This authority led to the Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956, which allows the formation of specialized tribunals for such matters.
2. Power to Exclude Court Jurisdiction:
Parliament may specify, through legislation, that neither the Supreme Court nor any other court shall have jurisdiction over these disputes. This is a special constitutional provision that overrides the Supreme Court’s original jurisdiction under Article 131, ensuring disputes are resolved through expert tribunals rather than regular courts.
Why the other options are incorrect:
-
Parliament can restrict Supreme Court jurisdiction, so option A is invalid.
-
Article 262 does not give Parliament power to permanently abolish State-level water bodies.
-
Inter-State Council mediation exists separately and is not mandated as a prerequisite under Article 262.