Centre–State Relations in India
Centre–State Relations in India
1. Introduction
India follows a federal system of government where powers and responsibilities are divided between the Central Government (Union) and the State Governments. The Constitution of India lays down a dual polity system with a division of powers, but it is often described as "quasi-federal" because of strong unitary features.
2. Constitutional Basis of Centre–State Relations
The key constitutional provisions that define Centre–State relations include:
Division of Powers (Articles 245–255)
Legislative Lists (Seventh Schedule)
Financial Relations (Articles 268–293)
Administrative Relations (Articles 256–263)
Emergency Provisions (Articles 352–360)
3. Division of Legislative Powers
The Constitution divides legislative powers between the Centre and States through three lists in the Seventh Schedule:
Union List (List I): Subjects on which only the Parliament can legislate (e.g., defence, foreign affairs).
State List (List II): Subjects on which only the State legislatures can legislate (e.g., police, public health).
Concurrent List (List III): Subjects on which both Centre and States can legislate (e.g., criminal law, marriage).
4. Doctrine of Residuary Powers
The residuary subjects (subjects not mentioned in any list) fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Centre (Article 248).
This makes India a strongly federal system with unitary bias.
5. Types of Powers
Legislative Powers: As divided by the lists.
Administrative Powers: Both levels must maintain harmony; Centre can give directions to States in certain cases (Article 256).
Financial Powers: Centre controls distribution of taxes and grants to States.
6. Financial Relations
States depend heavily on the Centre for financial resources.
Finance Commission (Article 280) recommends distribution of tax revenues.
Grants-in-aid can be given by Centre to States under Article 275.
Centre controls taxation powers and distribution to States, often leading to financial dependency.
7. Emergency Provisions and Their Impact on Centre–State Relations
During National Emergency (Article 352), the Centre gains overriding powers.
During President’s Rule (Article 356), the Centre can assume control of State administration.
During Financial Emergency (Article 360), the Centre can reduce salaries and control financial matters of States.
These provisions tilt the balance of power in favor of the Centre during emergencies.
8. Inter-State Council and Zonal Councils
To promote cooperation between Centre and States, the Constitution provides for:
Inter-State Council (Article 263): To discuss and recommend on disputes and coordination.
Zonal Councils: Created by Parliament to foster cooperation among States of different zones.
9. Disputes and Their Resolution
Conflicts between Centre and States are inevitable due to overlapping powers.
Disputes can be:
Legislative conflicts: Resolved by the Constitution (e.g., if a law made by the State conflicts with Central law on Concurrent List, Central law prevails).
Administrative disputes: Resolved through political negotiation or courts.
Financial disputes: Addressed by Finance Commission recommendations.
10. Key Case Laws on Centre–State Relations
a) State of West Bengal v. Union of India (1963)
The Supreme Court upheld the validity of President’s Rule under Article 356.
Held that courts have limited scope to interfere unless the proclamation is mala fide or unconstitutional.
b) S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994)
Landmark case on President’s Rule.
Held that the power under Article 356 is subject to judicial review.
Abuse of power under Article 356 violates federalism.
Reinforced that federal structure is basic feature of the Constitution.
Set guidelines to prevent misuse of Article 356.
c) State of Rajasthan v. Union of India (1977)
Supreme Court held that Parliament can legislate on a State subject if the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution under Article 249.
Reinforces Centre’s limited but overriding powers under special circumstances.
d) K.C. Gajapati Narayan Deo v. State of Orissa (1953)
Held that the residuary power lies with the Centre and States cannot legislate on residuary subjects.
e) Bengal Immunity Co. Ltd. v. State of Bihar (1955)
The Supreme Court limited the scope of State powers in some respects, favoring Centre.
11. Nature of Centre–State Relations
India’s federalism is often described as quasi-federal because:
The Centre has residuary powers.
Centre can override State laws on Concurrent List.
Emergency provisions empower the Centre greatly.
Single Constitution and judiciary.
However, it preserves State autonomy in many fields like law and order, local governance.
12. Challenges and Contemporary Issues
Frequent use of Article 356 by the Centre to dismiss State governments.
Financial dependency of States on Centre.
Interstate water disputes and resource-sharing conflicts.
Demand for greater autonomy by States.
Centre’s control over police and public order (State subjects).
Cooperative federalism encouraged but often strained.
Conclusion
Centre–State relations in India are governed by a delicate balance between autonomy and unity. The Constitution provides a framework for division of powers, financial relations, and dispute resolution. Judicial interpretations, especially in cases like S.R. Bommai, have upheld the federal structure as part of the Constitution's basic structure. Despite a unitary tilt, the system strives to accommodate diversity and decentralization.
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