Federalism in India: A Comprehensive Analysis of its Evolution, Features, and Controversies

Authors

  • N. Krishna Kumar UNIVERSITY OF KERALA
  • Babu Karukapadath

Keywords:

Federalism, India, Constitution, Central Government, State Government, Evolution, Features, Controversies, Judiciary, Division of Powers

Abstract

India's federalism offers a distinctive form of government that is distinguished by the division of authority between the federal and state administrations. This article provides a thorough examination of the evolution, features, and controversies surrounding federalism in India. Starting with its historical foundation, the conversation looks at the core characteristics of the federal system, such as the Constitution's primacy, the division of powers, its inflexibility, and the function of an independent judiciary. The article explores the merits and demerits of federal government, highlighting its suitability for diverse countries like India. Additionally, it analyzes the evolution of federalism in India, tracing its constitutional history from colonial rule to the present day. Through a detailed examination of legal precedents and scholarly discourse, the article sheds light on the complexities and nuances of Indian
federalism, addressing the ongoing debates and differing perspectives on its nature and functioning.

References

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Wheare, Federal Government, 4th Edn., (1963), p. 424

M.P. Jain, Indian Constitutional Law, 4th Edn., (1993), p. 662

Ibid

(2007) 6 SCC, p.236

AIR 1977 Madras 1920

K.C. Wheare, Modern Constitution, (1952), p.27

K.P. Krishnashetty, The Law of Union State Relation and Indian Federalism (1981), p.447

Ibid at p.28

C.H. Alexandrowicz, Constitutional Developments in India, (1957), pp.158-159.

Ibid at p.159

Ibid at p.55

Sir Ivor Jennings, Some Characteristics of the Indian Constitution (1953), p.1; see also M.P. Jain, Federalism in India (1964), p. 17.

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Granville Austin, The Indian Constitution – Cornerstone of a Nation (1966), pp.186-187.

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U.K. Hicks, F.G. Carnell and Others, Federalism and Economic Growth in Under Developed Countries (1963), p.53.

Wheare, Modern Constitution, 2nd Edn. (1966), p. 142

Lecture at Public Forum, Bandaranaike Centre for International Studies, Colombo, Sri Lanka on September 13, 2004

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Ibid

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(1978) 11 SCJ 190

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CAD, Vol. XI, p. 976.

Published

2025-01-06

How to Cite

Kumar, N. K. ., & Karukapadath, B. (2025). Federalism in India: A Comprehensive Analysis of its Evolution, Features, and Controversies. Journal of Constitutional Law and Jurisprudence, 8(1), 169–177. Retrieved from https://lawjournals.celnet.in/index.php/Jolj/article/view/1699