The document discusses inter-state relations in India. It outlines various constitutional provisions and bodies that aim to promote cooperation between states, including rules of comity regarding recognition of acts and judicial proceedings between states, provisions for extra-judicial settlement of disputes, and bodies like the Inter-State Council and Zonal Councils to help coordinate policies. It also discusses how the constitution aims to facilitate free trade and commerce across state boundaries in order to foster unity in the country.

1. THE INTER-STATE
RELATIONS
By: Rifa Saleem
LLB-3year-2nd sem-(Batch:- 2016-2019)
New Law College, BVPDU

2. SYNOPSIS
• Introduction
• Inter-State Comity
• Prevention and Settlement of Disputes
• Inter-State Councils
• Zonal Councils
• Freedom of Inter-State Trade and Commerce

3. INTRODUCTION
 Inter-State Relations refer to the relationship
between different states of the Union. For the
successful working of a federal system not only
the relationship between the Centre and the
states should be harmonious but also cooperation
between the states is required. Certain provisions
in the Constitution and even outside of it are
there which aim at improving this relationship
between the states on the Union.

4. INTER-STATE COMITY
 A federal Constitution ensures the sovereignty of
the Units within their respective territorial limits.
However, it is not always possible for them to
remain in complete isolation.
 Internal sovereignty by a Unit requires recognition
as well as cooperation by other units of the
federation.
 Hence, all federal constitutions provides certain
rules of comity for its Units.

5. The Rules Of Comity
 These rules and agencies relate to matters such
as:-
 Recognition of the public acts, records and
judicial proceedings of each other.
 Extra-judicial settlement of disputes.
 Co-ordination between States.
 Freedom of Inter-State trade, commerce and
intercourse.

6. Recognition of Public Acts, etc.
 Article 162 & 245(1) provide that the jurisdiction
of each State is confined to its own territory.
 But, Article 261 of the Indian Constitution states
that,
“full faith and credit shall be given throughout the
territory of India to public acts, records and judicial
proceedings of the Union and of every State”.
Hence Art.261 gives recognition to the copies of
Statutes, judgements or orders of ones State in
another State in the same manner of the.

7. Extra-Judicial Settlement of Disputes
 In order to maintain the strength of the Union even when
facing the conflict of interest between the States, Article
131 provides for judicial determination of disputes
between the States by vesting the Supreme Court with
exclusive jurisdiction in the matter.
 Article 262 provides for adjudication of one class of such
disputes by an extra-judicial tribunal.
 Article 263 ensures prevention of these disputes through
investigation and recommendation by an administrative
body.

8. Co-ordination between States- INTER-
STATE COUNCIL
 According to Article 263, an inter-state council can be established by
the President if, the public interest so requires.
 Inter-state council was established in 1990 on the Sarkaria
Commission recommendation.
 Function of the Inter-State Council shall be:-
1. Enquire and Advice to resolve the disputes.
2. Investigating and discussing on the subjects of common interests of
some or all the States or the Union and one or more States.
3. To effect co-ordination between the States.

9. ZONAL COUNCILS
 Established by the State Reorganisation Act, 1956.
 To advice on matters of common interest to each of the
five zones (Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western and
Central) of the territory of India.
 These are a Statutory body and were not provided for in
the Constitution.
 Is a platform for resolving regional issues.
 Securing co-operation and co-ordination between the
States, the Union Territories and the Union.
 “to develop the habit of co-operative working”- Nehru.

10. FREEDOM OF INTER-STATE TRADE &
COMMERCE
 Minimize barriers between the States so that the people
feel that they are the members of one nation.
 One of the means to achieve this object is the Freedom of
movement and residence (Art.19(1)(d)&(e).
 Article 301 Declares that trade, commerce and
intercourse throughout the territory of India shall be free.
 Subject to exceptions - A302-305.

11. CONCLUSION
India and its States as described by B.R Ambedkar are
“one integral whole, its people a single people living
under a single imperium derived from a single source”.
The constitution of India provides provision to keep
true these words of its founding father. It ensures the
unity not only between the Centre and the State but
also States inter se thereby maintaining cooperation
and cordial relation among different states, which is
much needed for the peace and development of any
country.