Inter-state Dispute Resolution

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The border dispute between Maharashtra and Karnataka is intensifying. This article talks about different inter-state dispute resolution methods.

To know more about the Maharashtra-Karnataka border dispute, click here

Attempts are often made to resolve inter-state disputes with the cooperation of both sides, with the Centre working as a neutral mediator.
If issues are resolved amicably, the Parliament can bring a law to alter state boundaries, such as
- the Bihar-Uttar Pradesh (Alteration of Boundaries) Act of 1968 and
- the Haryana-Uttar Pradesh (Alteration of Boundaries) Act of 1979.
In the Belagavi issue, Union Home Minister met Chief Ministers of both the states and asked them to form a six-member team, comprising three ministers from each side, to address all boundary issues.

As per the Article 131 of the Constitution, the Supreme Court in its original jurisdiction decides imputes between states.
This dispute resolution is done by the Supreme Court to the exclusion of any other court. So, the Supreme Court has exclusive jurisdiction too.

Article 263 of the Constitution gives powers to the President to set up an Inter-state Council for resolution of disputes between states.
The Council is envisaged as a forum for discussion between the states and the Centre.
In 1988, the Sarkaria Commission suggested that the Council should exist as a permanent body.
In 1990, the Council came into existence through a Presidential Order.
The President can constitute a inter State Council, and charge it with the duty of
- inquiring into and advising upon disputes which may have arisen between States;
- investigating and discussing subjects in which some or all of the States, or the Union and one or more of the States, have a common interest; or
- making recommendations upon any such subject and, in particular, recommendations for the better coordination of policy and action with respect to that subject.
It shall be lawful for the President by order to establish such a Council, and to define the nature of the duties to be performed by it and its organisation and procedure.

In 2021, the Centre reconstituted the Inter-state Council and the body now has 10 Union Ministers as permanent invitees.
The standing committee of the Council has been reconstituted with Home Minister Amit Shah as Chairman.
Union Finance minister and the Chief Ministers of Maharashtra, UP, and Gujarat are some of the other standing committee members.

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