Article 131 of CoI : Article 131: Original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.

Explanation using Example

Example 1:

Scenario: Dispute between the Government of India and the State of Karnataka over water sharing from the Cauvery River.

Details: The Government of India and the State of Karnataka are in disagreement over the allocation of water from the Cauvery River. Karnataka claims that the central government is not fairly distributing the water, which is crucial for its agricultural needs. The Government of India, on the other hand, argues that it is following the guidelines set by the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal.

Application of Article 131: Since this is a dispute between the Government of India and a State (Karnataka) involving a question of legal rights (water allocation), the Supreme Court has original jurisdiction to hear and decide this case.

Example 2:

Scenario: Dispute between the States of Maharashtra and Gujarat over the boundary demarcation.

Details: Maharashtra and Gujarat are in conflict over the precise boundary line between the two states. This dispute has arisen due to differing interpretations of historical documents and maps. Both states claim certain territories as their own, leading to administrative and governance issues.

Application of Article 131: This is a dispute between two states (Maharashtra and Gujarat) involving a question of fact and law (boundary demarcation), and thus, the Supreme Court has original jurisdiction to resolve this matter.

Example 3:

Scenario: Dispute between the Government of India, the State of Tamil Nadu, and the State of Kerala over the construction of a dam.

Details: The Government of India, along with the State of Tamil Nadu, plans to construct a dam on a river that flows through Kerala. Kerala opposes the construction, citing environmental concerns and potential harm to its local population. Tamil Nadu argues that the dam is essential for its water needs and power generation.

Application of Article 131: This is a dispute involving the Government of India and two states (Tamil Nadu and Kerala) on one side and another state (Kerala) on the other, involving questions of legal rights (construction and environmental impact). Therefore, the Supreme Court has original jurisdiction to adjudicate this dispute.

Example 4:

Scenario: Dispute between the States of Punjab and Haryana over the sharing of river waters.

Details: Punjab and Haryana are in conflict over the sharing of waters from the Sutlej-Yamuna Link canal. Punjab claims that it needs more water for its agricultural activities, while Haryana argues that it is not receiving its fair share as per the previous agreements.

Application of Article 131: This is a dispute between two states (Punjab and Haryana) involving a question of legal rights (water sharing), and thus, the Supreme Court has original jurisdiction to hear and decide this case.