Correct option is B
The correct answer is b) Article 262.
While the Supreme Court generally handles disputes between states under its original jurisdiction (Article 131), the Constitution makes a specific and significant exception for Inter-State River Water Disputes.
Information Booster :
Understanding Article 262
Article 262 of the Indian Constitution provides the framework for the adjudication of disputes relating to waters of inter-state rivers or river valleys. It has two critical provisions:
Parliament's Power: Parliament may by law provide for the adjudication of any dispute or complaint with respect to the use, distribution, or control of the waters of any inter-state river or river valley.
Exclusion of Courts: Parliament may also provide that neither the Supreme Court nor any other court shall exercise jurisdiction in respect of any such dispute.
The Mechanism: Inter-State River Water Disputes Act (1956)
Using the power granted by Article 262, the Parliament enacted the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.
Under this Act:
If a state government requests the Central Government to refer a water dispute to a tribunal, and the Centre believes it cannot be settled by negotiations, a Water Disputes Tribunal is constituted.
The decision of the Tribunal is final and binding on the parties involved.
Well-known examples include the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal and the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal.
Additional Information :
1. Article 172: This relates to the duration of State Legislatures (the 5-year term of the Legislative Assembly).
3. Article 166: This deals with the conduct of business of the Government of a State, specifying that all executive action of the Government of a State shall be expressed to be taken in the name of the Governor.
4. Article 162: This defines the extent of the executive power of a State, noting that it extends to matters with respect to which the State Legislature has power to make laws.