Centre Can’t Treat States as ‘Subordinates’
Context:
In a recent lecture titled ‘Constitutionalism beyond Rights: Why Structure Matters’ at the Chanakya National Law University, Supreme Court judge Justice B.V. Nagarathna made significant observations regarding the nature of Centre-State relations in India, asserting that the Centre cannot treat States as "subordinates".
Key Observations on Federalism:
Justice Nagarathna emphasised that Indian federalism is fundamentally a "constitutional arrangement of co-equals."
The Centre must view the States as coordinates rather than subordinates in the national governance structure.
Citizens are entitled to the benefits and welfare schemes of both the Central and State governments.
The Centre cannot adopt a "pick and choose approach" when implementing development programmes across different regions
Equity and a fair approach must remain the guiding principles.
S.R. Bommai v Union of India (1994):
Supreme Court laid great emphasis on preserving the powers of the states.
The SC held that States were not mere appendages of the Centre, but autonomous entities with constitutionally guaranteed powers.