Nature Of Indian Federalism
- IJLLR Journal
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
Dev Bhadiyadra, BBA LLB, Auro University, Surat, Gujarat
ABSTRACT
System of government in India has undergone various changes with the introduction of a centralized system in the early colonial period, to the adoption of elements of federalism through reforms such as the Montagu- Chelmsford Reforms of 1919 and the Government of India Act, 1935. These reforms formed the basis for the current system of government in the post- independence era, known as quasi federalism which was visualised by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to ensure national unity with state autonomy. However, inclusion of certain provisions like Article 356 which was intended to protect the nation's unity and defend against the colonialists, remained political tools to maintain dominance in the political landscape.
The Emergency of 1975 and the rise of coalition governments in the late 1980s marked critical shifts towards more cooperative federalism. Governors' intervention in politics, and the dual accountability of All India Service remained a challenge even after gaining substantial leaning towards cooperative federalism. The constant tug of war between the centre's authority and the demand for more state autonomy has been observed since India's independence from the colonial era. States have often experienced imperial-like rule where state autonomy has often been in jeopardy by political maneuvers. However, the onset of coalition government and judicial intervention has strengthened the federal frame that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar envisioned. This paper aims to examine various historical events, political events, and constitutional provision to understand the complexities of Indian federalism.
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