Now Reading: Kerala appoints Roy Abraham Special Counsel for water disputes
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Kerala appoints Roy Abraham Special Counsel for water disputes
The Kerala government has appointed Advocate Roy Abraham as Special Counsel to represent the state in all inter-State water dispute cases before the Supreme Court and statutory tribunals, including the sensitive Mullaperiyar dispute. The decision comes amid ongoing proceedings in the Mullaperiyar Mega Car Parking case, which is considered crucial for Kerala.
The appointment effectively replaces Advocate G. Prakash, who had been representing the state in inter-State river water disputes, including the Mullaperiyar cases, during the second Pinarayi Vijayan government. The government order does not explicitly state that Prakash has been removed, but government sources confirmed the change.
Roy Abraham has been practising before the Supreme Court since 1992 and is a native of Koothattukulam in Ernakulam district. The Mullaperiyar dispute remains one of the most sensitive water-related issues between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, with several cases currently being litigated.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The switch in legal counsel comes at a critical juncture for Kerala as cross-examination of the Chief Engineer in the Mullaperiyar Mega Car Parking case is underway. The Mullaperiyar dispute is not just about water sharing but involves safety concerns over the 129-year-old dam, with Kerala arguing for a new dam and Tamil Nadu opposing it. The outcome of these cases has major financial and safety implications for both states, affecting water supply to five Tamil Nadu districts and the livelihoods of lakhs of people in Kerala's Idukki region. The next major hearing is expected before the Supreme Court later this year.
Source: english.mathrubhumi.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Methodology and corrections.
