22 years on, Maharashtra seeks early SC hearing in Karnataka border dispute

A bench headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant and comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana was told by counsel for Maharashtra that pleadings in the case had been completed and the matter should now be listed for hearing.

The counsel submitted that 865 villages inhabited by Marathi-speaking people are currently in Karnataka and argued that this goes against the principle of linguistic reorganisation of states.

Chief Justice Surya Kant said he would examine the matter, but added, "I cannot assure a listing."

The Marathi-speaking areas include Belagavi (formerly Belgaum), Karwar and Nipani, which are currently administered by Karnataka.

Maharashtra had filed an original suit in the Supreme Court in 2004 challenging Karnataka's control over these areas as well as provisions of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956.

The dispute dates back to the reorganisation of states along linguistic lines under the 1956 law. Belagavi was incorporated into the erstwhile Mysore state, now Karnataka, on the basis of a Kannada-speaking majority, while adjoining Marathi-speaking areas remained part of Maharashtra.

Maharashtra has continued to stake its claim over several border areas administered by Karnataka, making the dispute a long-standing issue between the neighbouring states.

(With inputs from PTI)