CHANDIGARH | May 20, 2025 — The Centre, Haryana government, and Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) on Tuesday opposed Punjab’s petition seeking a recall of the Punjab and Haryana High Court’s May 6 directive on the Bhakra water release, accusing the state of misrepresentation, defiance, and unlawful conduct.
Punjab had approached the High Court, seeking modification or recall of the May 6 order that directed the state to comply with a May 2 meeting decision allowing the release of extra water to Haryana. Punjab claimed the order was based on misleading and factually incorrect submissions by the Union government, Haryana, and BBMB. It argued there was no fixed agenda during the May 2 meeting, and the directive was thus flawed and legally unsustainable.
Responding strongly, Haryana submitted that Punjab had acted in breach of judicial orders by deploying police at the Bhakra-Nangal dam and forcibly interfering with operations. “The actions of the Punjab government reflect a defiant and obstructive attitude,” Haryana’s legal team stated, adding that BBMB water is “the lifeline for Haryana’s farmers and essential to their livelihood.”
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Sheel Nagu and Justice Sumeet Goel heard the matter and granted Punjab one day to file its response. Appearing for Punjab, senior counsel Gurminder Singh, along with Additional Advocate-General Chanchal Singla, argued that the Centre and Haryana’s replies were “misleading and far from the truth.”
Representing the Union government, Additional Solicitor-General Satya Pal Jain and senior panel counsel Dheeraj Jain stated that the BBMB’s decision on April 30 to release water to Haryana was valid under the BBMB Rules, 1974, and required no further Central intervention under Rule 7.
BBMB, through its affidavit, maintained that Punjab’s application lacked merit and was filed too late. “Any infirmity in the May 6 order should have been challenged immediately,” the board argued. It also pointed out that even if the direction for water release were recalled, the order barring Punjab officials from interfering in dam operations still stood — along with pending contempt proceedings for violations.
The Ministry of Power further noted that water levels in the Bhakra reservoir were being carefully monitored to maintain a buffer for a delayed monsoon. “The level is not to drop below 1,506 ft by May 20 to ensure cushion,” it stated, adding that BBMB may supply water to partner states based on availability and requirements.
The hearing will resume after Punjab submits its counter to the Centre and Haryana’s objections.
