New Delhi: The Supreme Court has postponed the hearing on a few petitions over the safety of Mullaperiyar Dam  to next week. Earlier, the hearing was scheduled for Friday, Dec 10, but the pleas were not taken up as planned.

The next hearing has been set for Wednesday, Dec 15.

Though the apex court had earlier assured to consider in detail issues regarding dam safety and maintenance, a detailed argument on the matter is unlikely in the next hearing soon.

While considering the case last time, the Bench comprising Justice A M Khanwilkar and  Justice C T Ravikumar had given hints that the final arguments are likely in January.

The main petitioners in the case are Kothamangalam native Dr Joe Joseph, Suraksha Charitable Trust and Periyar Valley Protection Movement.

Kerala and Tamil Nadu governments had filed separate petitions on the matter earlier.

While Tamil Nadu has sought the court's direction for granting permission to cut trees for strengthening the Baby Dam, Kerala informed about the problems caused by the opening of the shutters of the dam without any prior notice.

The Opposition UDF MPs from Kerala have urged Union Water Resources Minister Gajendra Sigh Shekhawat to convene a meeting of Kerala and Tamil Nadu to discuss the safety concerns connected with Mullaperiyar Dam.