The Model Code of Conduct, which came into effect in Karnataka after the Assembly elections dates were announced on Tuesday, does not stop the Centre from implementing the Supreme Court judgment on constituting the Cauvery Management Board, the Election Commission said.
On February 16, the Supreme Court ordered the Centre to set up a the board within six weeks to ensure its ruling on the allocation of water from Cauvery river to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka is implemented. The deadline is Thursday.
“Whatever the direction of the court and compliance thereof, the commission and the Model Code of Conduct don’t come in the way,” Chief Election Commissioner OP Rawat told media in New Delhi. The code seeks to insulate voters from the influences of the government, political parties, and their candidates. It will end on May 17, two days after the results are announced.
Meanwhile, top Tamil Nadu government officials on Tuesday met senior Supreme Court counsel Shekhar Naphde in New Delhi to discuss how the government should proceed if the Centre fails to set up the board, The News Minute reported. The Tamil Nadu Assembly on March 15 passed a resolution asking the Centre to set up a Cauvery Management Board and a Cauvery Water Monitoring Committee.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!