SC asks Cauvery farmers to move MHC

A bench of the apex court headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde gave this direction to Tamil Nadu Farmers’ Association led by P R Pandian when a plea by the organisation came up for hearing.

The petition had challenged a Central government order earlier this year that obviated the need for consultation with agriculturists and the state pollution board before taking up exploration schemes which it felt would threaten the Cauvery delta region.

When G S Mani, advocate for the petitioner, insisted that the apex court take up the plea because it was an order by the Central government which could have an impact throughout the country, the Chief Justice S A Bobde suggested that they approach the High Court before coming to the Supreme Court.