1.Genesis of the Commission

The Sarkaria Commission was constituted by the Government of India in June 1983, chaired by Justice Ranjit Singh Sarkaria, a former Supreme Court judge, along with members B. Sivaraman (ex-Cabinet Secretary) and Dr. S.R. Sen (ex-Governor, RBI).

This body represented the first broad, in-depth attempt post-independence to systematically re-evaluate the interplay of legislative, administrative, and financial powers between the Union and states.

2.Contextual Backdrop

By the early 1980s, Article 356 (President’s Rule) had been imposed in states over 75 times, stirring debates on its frequent or partisan use.

The role of Governors—frequently accused of “partisan conduct” or being “agents” of the central government—led to recurrent political crises (e.g., in Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, and Kerala during the 1970s–1980s).

Inter-state conflicts (especially water disputes like Ravi-Beas, Cauvery) and the rise of strong regional parties further exposed strains in the federal system.

Rising criticisms of excessive centralization—financially (with states depending heavily on plan/non-plan transfers) and administratively (frequent central interventions in state matters)—prompted an official re-examination of constitutional arrangements.