Inter-State Relations: Laws and Cooperation in India |
Inter-State Relations in India: Waters, Councils and Trade Dynamics
Inter-state relations in India are governed by a comprehensive legal framework, that covers key provisions such as Article 262 for resolving water disputes, Article 263 establishing Inter-State Councils, and Articles 301 to 307 facilitating inter-state trade and commerce. The establishment of Zonal Councils under the States Reorganisation Act 1956 contributes to fostering cooperation and coordination among states. These mechanisms collectively aim to promote unity and address the diverse needs and interests of India’s federal structure.
Inter-State Relations in India: Water Disputes (Art. 262) and Collaborative Governance
| Article 262 |
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Water Governance in India: Navigating Inter-State Relations through River Boards and Dispute Adjudication
| River Boards Act 1956: | A river board is established by the Centre on the request of the state to advise them. |
| Inter-State Water Disputes Act 1956: | Empowers Centre to set up an ad hoc tribunal for the adjudication of an inter-state water dispute between 2 or more states. Decisions of the tribunal are binding, No courts have jurisdiction over such disputes. |
Major Inter-State Water Disputes in India and Water Dispute Tribunals in India
| NAME | YEAR | STATES INVOLVED |
| Krishna Water Dispute Tribunal | 1969 | MH, KR, AP |
| Godavari Water Dispute Tribunal | 1969 | MP, KR, AP, MH, OD |
| Narmada Water Dispute Tribunal | 1969 | RJ, GJ, MP, MH |
| Ravi & Beas Water Dispute Tribunal | 1986 | PB, HR, RJ |
| Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal | 1990 | KR, KL, TN, Puducherry |
| Second Krishna Water Dispute Tribunal | 2004 | MH, KR, AP |
| Vansadhara Water Dispute Tribunal | 2010 | OD, AP |
| Mahadayi Water Dispute Tribunal | 2010 | Goa, KR, MH |
Inter-State Council (Art. 263) in India: Enhancing Coordination and Advisory Role in Inter-State Relations:
| Purpose |
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| Status |
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| Setup |
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| Role of President |
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| Functions |
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| Decisions |
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| Composition |
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| Meetings |
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Enhancing Inter-State Relations: The Crucial Role of Standing Committee in India’s Governance:
- Establishment: Established in 1996 to ensure ongoing consultation and processing of matters for council consideration.
- Members of the Committee: Union Home Minister as Chairman + Five Union Cabinet Ministers + Nine CMs
- Secretariat: The Council is assisted by Inter-State Council Secretariat: Set up in 1991 + Headed by Secretary to the Government of India.
Inter-State Trade & Commerce: Legal Dynamics and Inter-State Relations in India:
| Article | Description |
| 301 |
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| 302 |
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| 303 |
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| 304 |
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| 305 |
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Public Acts, Records and Judicial Proceedings in inter-State Relations:
- Full faith & credit to public acts, records and judicial proceedings of the Centre and States throughout the country.
- Parliament by laws, will determine the manner in which and the conditions under which such acts, records and proceedings are to be proved and their effect determined.
- Civil court judgments and orders issued anywhere in India can be enforced across the country. However, this principle does not extend to criminal judgments.
Zonal Councils in Indian Governance: Deliberations, Recommendations and Advisory Roles:
- Establishment: Statutory (Extra-constitutional) body + Established under Reorganisation of States Act 1956 (7th CAA 1956)
- They are only deliberative and advisory bodies; recommendations are not binding.
- The Zonal Councils should meet at least twice a year
- Members of Zonal Councils: Union Home Minister as Chairman + CMs of all the states in the zone + CMs of all the states in the zone + Administrator of each UT in the zone
North-Eastern Council and Inter-State Relations: A Comprehensive Analysis of Its Role and Impact:
- Establishment: Statutory body Created by separate act: North-Eastern Council Act, 1971.
- Members: All North Eastern states including Sikkim.
- Composition:
- Ex-officio Chairperson: Union Home Minister
- Vice-Chairperson: Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of DoNER.
- Members: Governors and Chief Ministers of all eight states, and 3 members nominated by the President.
- Sikkim joined the North-Eastern Council as its eighth member in 2002.
Conclusion
Through a network of legislative provisions and institutional mechanisms, India endeavors to foster cooperation and resolve disputes among states. The Inter-State Council, Zonal Councils, and legal frameworks governing water disputes and trade dynamics play crucial roles in enhancing inter-state relations and promoting unity in diversity across the country.
