Punjab-Haryana Water Dispute: High Court Grants Time to Punjab Government for Response, Next Hearing on May 22

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): In the ongoing water-sharing dispute between Punjab and Haryana, a significant development took place on May 20, 2025, as the Punjab and Haryana High Court conducted a hearing on a review petition filed by the Punjab government. The Centre, Haryana government and the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) submitted their respective responses during the session. The Punjab government, however, requested more time to file its reply — a request that was accepted by the court. The matter will now be heard again on May 22.

Meanwhile, a protest in Nangal related to the same issue has entered its 20th day. Education Minister and MLA from Shri Anandpur Sahib, Harjot Singh Bains, stated that Punjab has successfully resisted what he termed as repeated attempts to forcibly release water. He highlighted the role of local villagers and volunteers in the resistance and credited the leadership of the Chief Minister, who visited the protest site three times. The Chief Minister is scheduled to visit the Nangal Dam again on the morning of May 21 at 11 a.m.

Bains said that attempts were made by the Central Government and BBMB to bypass Punjab’s interests and force the release of water, but the protestors remained firm and prevented these actions. He claimed victory in the fight, attributing it to collective determination and support from the people.

BBMB Chairman's Affidavit Sparks New Dispute

Amid the legal proceedings, BBMB Chairman Manoj Tripathi submitted an affidavit alleging that Punjab Police obstructed the operation of the Bhakra Dam and interfered with the duties of him and his officers. The issue stems from an incident on May 8, when Tripathi attempted to release water from the dam and was stopped by protestors, including political leaders, who allegedly held him at the site. Following this, the Chief Minister visited the dam and declared that no water would be released without the formal directives from the May 2 meeting chaired by the Union Home Secretary.

Responding to the affidavit, the court has directed the Punjab government to identify the police personnel involved in the alleged disruption. The state government has initiated action in this regard.

Punjab Counters BBMB’s Claims

In its arguments before the court, the Punjab government highlighted contradictions in the BBMB Chairman’s statements. It pointed out that during live court proceedings on May 8, Tripathi had acknowledged being surrounded only by local civilians and stated that Punjab Police had ensured his safe exit. However, in a subsequent affidavit dated May 9, he claimed to have been unlawfully detained — a statement the Punjab government contends contradicts his earlier remarks.

Based on this contradiction, the Punjab government has invoked Section 379 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. It has also requested the court to initiate an inquiry under Section 215 of the BNSS, which pertains to submitting false affidavits. Furthermore, the state has sought contempt proceedings against BBMB Chairman Manoj Tripathi and Director (Water Regulation) Sanjeev Kumar for allegedly violating the High Court’s order from May 6.

The legal and administrative tug-of-war continues, with the next hearing likely to be crucial in determining the immediate future of water regulation between the two states.