Bangalore: Barely a couple of hours before the Supreme Court is to pronounce its final order on contempt petition against Chief Minister, S M Krishna and others, Karnataka on October 27 began releasing Cauvery waters to Tamil Nadu.

Official sources confirmed the release of water soon after the council of ministers took a decision at its second meeting late on October 27 night and the state is expected to communicate the decision to the apex court on October 28.

The decision on water release emerged after the council of ministers meeting in the afternoon authorised Krishna to take an appropriate decision, following which the Chief Minister held consultations with legal and technical experts.

The decision comes against the backdrop of the apex court hauling up Krishna for "wilfully" disobeying its order on water release and prima facie finding him guilty of contempt.

The quantum of water and from when it would be released was not disclosed.

Emerging out of a brief council of ministers meeting, the second held on October 27, Information Minister Kagodu Thimappa said, "Whatever submission we have to make will be made before the Supreme Court by our advocate."

Asked if the meeting had decided to release water, he said, "Not to disclose anything. It amounts to subjudice."

PTI