INTER-STATE RELATIONS
Inter-state relations in India are governed by the constitutional framework that aims to promote cooperation and coordination among the various states. This aspect of Indian polity is crucial due to the country's federal structure, where power is divided between the central government and the state governments. The Constitution of India provides mechanisms to manage inter-state relations, ensuring unity and integrity while respecting the autonomy of states.
Key elements that define inter-state relations include the distribution of legislative and executive powers, mechanisms for resolving inter-state disputes, cooperative federalism, and institutions designed to facilitate collaboration among states. These institutions include the Inter-State Council, the Zonal Councils, and the role of the judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, in adjudicating inter-state conflicts.
Understanding inter-state relations is essential for comprehending the dynamics of federal governance in India, where maintaining a balance between central authority and state autonomy is a continuous and evolving process. The effective management of inter-state relations is pivotal for ensuring the smooth functioning of the federal system and for fostering national integration.
Article 261 of the Constitution of India ensures that public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of the Union and the States are recognized and respected throughout the country. This article is crucial for maintaining legal consistency and ensuring that judgments and official acts have national validity and enforceability.
1.Full Faith and Credit: Public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of the Union and every State are to be given full faith and credit throughout the territory of India. This means that official acts and legal documents from any part of India must be recognized and respected in all other parts of the country. This provision is essential for maintaining a cohesive legal system across the diverse regions of India.