Ministry of Jal Shaktri
The Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, is a crucial piece of legislation designed to address conflicts related to the use, distribution, and control of inter-state river waters in India. It provides a mechanism for the adjudication of water disputes through the establishment of tribunals, aiming to ensure equitable and sustainable management of shared water resources. The Act seeks to prevent conflicts between states and promote cooperation in water usage.
1: Act Background and ministry under which this act is:
The Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, was enacted to provide a framework for the adjudication of disputes relating to the waters of inter-state rivers and river valleys. This act falls under the purview of the Ministry of Jal Shakti (Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation), Government of India.
2: Enactment date, number of chapters, number of sections:
The Act was enacted on 28th August 1956. It has no chapters and consists of 14 sections.
3: Act Governed By:
The Act is primarily governed by the Central Government, which has the authority to constitute Water Disputes Tribunals to adjudicate disputes between states. The Ministry of Jal Shakti oversees the implementation of the Act and plays a key role in facilitating the resolution of water disputes. The judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, is barred from exercising jurisdiction over disputes referred to the tribunals.
4: On Whom it is applicable:
This Act applies to all State Governments in India that have disputes or differences regarding the use, distribution, or control of inter-state river waters. It also applies to the Water Disputes Tribunals established under the Act and any authority or body created to implement the decisions of the tribunals.
5: Penalties/Punishments:
The Act does not prescribe specific penalties or punishments. Instead, it focuses on the adjudication of water disputes through tribunals, whose decisions are final and binding on the parties to the dispute. The Act empowers the Central Government to enforce the decisions of the tribunals.
6: Important Pointers:
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The Act provides a mechanism for the adjudication of inter-state river water disputes.
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It empowers the Central Government to constitute Water Disputes Tribunals.
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It outlines the jurisdiction, powers, and functions of the tribunals.
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The decisions of the tribunals are final and binding on the parties.
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The Act prohibits the levy of seigniorage or additional fees on the use of inter-state river waters.
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It bars the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and other courts over disputes referred to tribunals.
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The Act includes provisions for the maintenance of data and information related to river basins.
7: Act Copy: