The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014
The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014
1. Background
Andhra Pradesh was originally formed in 1956 by merging the Telugu-speaking areas of the erstwhile Hyderabad State and Andhra State.
Over the decades, there were demands for a separate state of Telangana, citing economic, cultural, and administrative reasons.
After years of political agitation and discussions, the Central Government introduced the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Bill in Parliament.
The Bill was enacted as The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, which legally bifurcated Andhra Pradesh into two states:
Telangana (newly created state)
Residual Andhra Pradesh (the remaining part of the old state)
The Act came into effect on June 2, 2014, which is now celebrated as Telangana Formation Day.
2. Purpose of the Act
To create the new state of Telangana.
To provide for the division of the assets and liabilities of the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh.
To allocate government employees, administrative machinery, and resources between the two states.
To provide arrangements regarding public institutions, public services, and infrastructure.
To ensure a smooth transition of governance without disrupting the lives of citizens.
3. Key Provisions of the Act
a) Creation of Telangana
Section 3 of the Act formally creates the state of Telangana, comprising specific districts previously part of Andhra Pradesh.
b) Territorial Adjustments
Defines the boundaries and territorial extent of Telangana and residual Andhra Pradesh.
c) Division of Assets and Liabilities
Specifies how the assets, liabilities, and financial resources of the former state will be divided.
The ratio of division is 58:42 in favor of residual Andhra Pradesh, based on population and other factors.
d) Allocation of Government Employees
Arrangements are made to allocate employees of the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh government between the two states.
Employees were given options based on domicile and service conditions.
e) Public Services and Institutions
Addresses the division and continuation of public services such as the police, judiciary, educational institutions, and public undertakings.
Specifies the location and jurisdiction of the High Court.
f) Legislative Provisions
Provision for legislative assemblies of the two states.
Specifies the number of seats in the respective assemblies and the Rajya Sabha.
g) Water Resources and Infrastructure
Addresses the sharing of water resources, irrigation projects, power generation, and distribution facilities.
h) Special Provisions for Hyderabad
Hyderabad city was to be the joint capital of both states for up to ten years.
Special arrangements for administration and law enforcement in Hyderabad.
i) Financial Provisions
Provisions for grants, loans, and financial assistance from the Central Government during the transition.
j) Transitional Arrangements
Temporary arrangements for administration, courts, and public services.
4. Constitutional Basis
The Act was passed under Article 3 of the Indian Constitution, which empowers Parliament to form a new state by altering the boundaries or names of existing states.
The Bill was introduced after receiving the recommendation of the President of India, as required by Article 3.
5. Significance of the Act
Legally recognized Telangana as the 29th state of India.
Addressed a long-standing demand that had political, social, and economic ramifications.
Set a precedent for peaceful state bifurcation through constitutional means.
Established clear guidelines for division of resources, assets, and administration.
Attempted to mitigate the impact on governance, employees, and citizens during the transition.
6. Relevant Case Law
There are no Supreme Court rulings invalidating or directly interpreting the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, but related constitutional principles and judicial views give context to the law’s implementation.
a) State of Bihar v. Union of India (1961)
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of Parliament’s power under Article 3 to alter state boundaries and create new states.
This case confirms that Parliament can reorganize states even against the wishes of the concerned state legislature.
b) S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994)
Though primarily related to dismissal of state governments, this case emphasized federalism and parliamentary supremacy in state reorganization.
Reinforces that state formation and reorganization is a parliamentary domain, not subject to judicial interference unless constitutional violations occur.
c) Potti Sriramulu's Case (Andhra State Formation)
While predating the 2014 Act, this historical case of Andhra State formation in 1953 highlights the long history of linguistic and regional demands for separate states.
The subsequent political and legal processes underpin modern reorganization laws like the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.
d) Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and Related Political Litigation
Various petitions and legal challenges related to Telangana statehood were filed but did not prevent Parliament from enacting the Reorganisation Act.
Courts have consistently deferred to Parliament’s exclusive power under Article 3.
7. Challenges and Issues Post-Reorganisation
Sharing of water resources (Krishna and Godavari rivers) became contentious.
Disputes over allocation of government jobs and assets.
Infrastructure development for the new capital of residual Andhra Pradesh (Amaravati).
Administrative coordination in Hyderabad as the joint capital.
8. Conclusion
The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 is a landmark legislative enactment that:
Created the new state of Telangana.
Laid down a comprehensive legal framework for division of resources, administration, and governance.
Demonstrates Parliament’s authority under Article 3 of the Constitution to reorganize states.
Ensures orderly transition while attempting to balance the interests of the newly formed and residual states.
The Act serves as an important precedent for future state reorganization in India, showing the legal and constitutional processes involved in accommodating regional aspirations within the federal structure.
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