Kerala appoints Roy Abraham as Special Counsel for inter-State water disputes

New Delhi: The Kerala government has engaged Advocate Roy Abraham as Special Counsel to represent the State in all inter-State water dispute cases before the Supreme Court of India and statutory tribunals, including the long-standing and sensitive Mullaperiyar dispute.

The decision assumes significance as Kerala is involved in a number of water-related disputes with neighbouring States, with issues concerning the sharing, management and utilisation of inter-State rivers and water resources frequently reaching judicial and statutory forums.

During the second Pinarayi Vijayan government, Advocate G. Prakash had been entrusted with appearing for the State in inter-State river water disputes, including the Mullaperiyar cases.

Prakash had also appeared for the Kerala government in several other important cases, including the SNC-Lavalin case. Although the government order appointing Roy Abraham does not specifically state that G. Prakash has been removed from the position, government sources said the new appointment effectively replaces Prakash as the Special Counsel for these matters.

The development assumes significance as proceedings in the Mullaperiyar Mega Car Parking case, which is considered crucial for Kerala, are currently underway. The cross-examination of R. Priyesh, Chief Engineer in the Irrigation Department, is presently in progress. G. Prakash had been appearing for the State in the case until recently. The government order appointing a new Special Counsel was issued amid these proceedings. The new appointment comes at a time when several inter-State water disputes involving Kerala continue to be litigated before the Supreme Court and statutory forums.

The Mullaperiyar dispute, in particular, remains one of the most sensitive water-related issues involving Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Roy Abraham has been practising before the Supreme Court since 1992. He is a native of Koothattukulam in Ernakulam district.