Punjab s denotification of SYL canal land an act of  high-handedness , says SC, Pg4

• The Supreme Court has termed Punjab's denotification of land acquired for the construction of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal as an act of "high-handedness".

• A Constitution Bench of the apex court, headed by Justice B.R. Gavai, reminded Punjab of earlier court orders to maintain the status quo on the land and proceed with the canal project.

• The SYL canal project, aimed at sharing water between Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, has been a long-standing dispute.

• The Punjab Termination of Agreements Act, 2004, which unilaterally sought to terminate the 1981 water-sharing agreement between Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan, has been a major impediment to the SYL canal project.

• The Supreme Court had previously ruled against this Act.

• The current case involves Haryana approaching the apex court seeking the implementation of the SYL canal project after Punjab's decision to denotify the acquired land.

• The Supreme Court emphasized that the dispute over the SYL canal pertains to the sharing of the main SYL canal, not the internal distribution network within Punjab.

• The court scheduled a hearing for August 13 to further consider the status quo of the acquired land and the way forward for the project.

• The apex court also noted that the case dates back to 1996 when Haryana first filed a suit in the Supreme Court seeking the completion of the SYL canal.

• Federalism and Inter-State Relations: Examining the powers and responsibilities of states and the Union government, particularly in the context of inter-state disputes over natural resources.

• Inter-State Water Disputes: Understanding the complexities and challenges involved in resolving conflicts over the sharing of river waters between different states in India.

• Role of the Judiciary: Analyzing the Supreme Court's role in adjudicating inter-state disputes and ensuring the implementation of its orders.

• Highlights the persistent and complex nature of inter-state water disputes in India and the difficulties in finding amicable solutions.

• Underscores the Supreme Court's continued involvement in attempting to resolve the long-pending SYL canal issue.

• Raises questions about the balance of power between states and the Union government in matters of natural resource sharing.

Mains Mock Question:

"The Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue exemplifies the complexities of inter-state water disputes in India. Analyze the historical background of the SYL canal dispute and discuss the role of the judiciary in resolving such conflicts. What are the potential ways forward to achieve a sustainable and equitable solution?"