The Supreme Court today directed Karnataka to release 2.44 thousand million cubic feet, TMC, Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu immediately. The water sanctioned is based on the recommendations of an expert panel appointed by the Supreme Court and far less than the 9 TMC demanded by Tamil Nadu to irrigate the state's winter crops. Tamil Nadu had claimed that the panel's assessment was inaccurate and the state needs 9 TMC to cover six lakh acres of farmland. The apex court rejected Tamil Nadu's objections to the findings of the expert panel and directed Karnataka to release the water immediately. Karnataka had argued that Tamil Nadu did not need water from the Cauvery at all as its crops had either been harvested or was about to be harvested.