Don't want to be influenced by media coverage in Delhi water crisis case; will read case file first: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court Monday deferred the hearing in the Delhi government's plea for release of surplus water to the national capital from Himachal Pradesh, after it noted that the defects in the petition copy have not been removed yet [Government of NCT of Delhi v. State of Haryana and Ors]..A Vacation Bench of Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice Prasanna B Varale also remarked that due to the excessive media reportage of the case, it would be prefer to read the case file first."List it day after tomorrow so all the reports etc are on record. We also want to read the file. There is so much reporting in media and if we do not read files, then the media reports can impress us and that is not a good thing," Justice Mishra saidThe Court also noted that the status report and other affidavits are not on record in the case as defects in the petition have not been removed..The top court was hearing Delhi government's petition seeking directions to the State of Haryana to facilitate supply of water to the national capital from Himachal Pradesh.On June06, the Court had taken note of the urgency in the matter and directed Himachal government to release 137 cusecs of water. Pertinently, it had also directed Haryana to facilitate the same and enable smooth onward flow of water from Himachal to the national capital. The water passes through canal in Haryana before reaching Delhi. .During the hearing today, the Court at the outset took strong objection to the Delhi government's failure to remove defects in its petition."Defects were pointed out last week and still defects not removed. Mr (Abhishek Manu) Singhvi will not remove the defects," the Court told the counsel representing the city government.It also warned to dismiss the case in case the defects are not removed."You cannot take this court for a ride. Let the office verify that you removed the defects and if you did not, then let the petition be dismissed. it will be dismissed," the Court said.Though the counsel representing the Delhi government said defects have been removed, the Court was assured that steps would be taken to remove any remaining defects..The Delhi government in its plea has asked for additional water during the ongoing heatwave as a stop-gap emergency measure. The national capital is currently battling a heatwave.The top court had earlier ordered the Central government to hold a meeting of all stakeholders, who form part of Upper Yamuna River Board, to address the Delhi government's demands in this regard.