High Court Rejects Punjab BBMB Petition, Sends to Centre

April 22, 2026

Chandigarh, April 22: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has dismissed the Punjab government’s petition regarding the BBMB matter. While dismissing the petition, the Court observed that the matter had already been heard last year. The Court directed the government to present its case before the Central Government. This petition was filed at a time when the BBMB had decided to release an additional 8,500 cusecs of water.

Punjab Government Had Filed a Challenge

The Punjab government had challenged the BBMB’s decision in the Punjab and Haryana High Court—a decision in which it was resolved to allocate an additional 8,500 cusecs of water to Haryana, over and above its stipulated share. Punjab contended that Haryana had already utilized its entire allocated share; therefore, it should not be provided with any further water.

The government further asserted that the BBMB lacks the legal authority to allocate water to any state in excess of its designated share.

Punjab Government Had Also Approached the Supreme Court

Punjab also alleged that this decision was taken in violation of established rules. Specifically, it was pointed out that the mandatory seven-day prior notice required for convening a meeting was not issued, nor was the agenda shared in a timely manner. Furthermore, the Punjab government had filed an appeal (SLP) in the Supreme Court challenging the orders issued by the High Court on May 6, 2025, regarding dam safety and water allocation. Concurrently, a review petition was also filed in the High Court, contending that the BBMB had misled the Court.