New Delhi, Monday, July 04, 2011: The Supreme Court’s constitutional bench on Monday deferred the hearing on Tamil Nadu government’s plea on Mullaperiyar issue. The court postponed the hearing on the request by the Tamil Nadu government seeking more time to file counter affidavit.

The Tamil Nadu government had earlier approached the Supreme Court against the Kerala’s initiative to build a new dam at Mullaperiyar. TN has requested the Apex Court to impose a stay on Kerala’s plan for construction of a new dam to replace the century-old Mullaperiyar reservoir saying it would affect five fertile districts of Tamil Nadu.

The high power committee has not taken a decision regarding the safety of the dam, the plea informed. TN has also requested the Court to maintain a status quo and sought permission for repair works in the baby dam.

Tamil Nadu, which benefits from the dam even though the structure is located in Idukki district in Kerala, wants to increase the capacity of the dam from 136 feet to 142 feet.