Karnataka paid Rs 122 crores to lawyers for water disputes cases: report

Over Rs.122 crore have been paid out to advocates who argued for Karnataka in water dispute cases since 1990, as per a new RTI filing. Out of the hefty appearance fees pool, the lion’s share was gone to senior lawyers, with some receiving over Rs. 20 crores.

Bar and Bench reported that a total of 41 lawyers have been paid in the last three decades for appearing in the Supreme Court and tribunal hearings.

Senior Advocate Anil Divan topped the list after receiving nearly 30 crores since 1990. Fali S Nariman, SS Jawali, Shyam Divan and Mohan Katarki were also among the top recipients.

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Karnataka has been maintaining that it is not in a position to release water, after taking into account its own need for drinking water and irrigation for standing crops in the Cauvery basin areas, as there has been water scarcity due to deficit monsoon rains.

(With PTI inputs)