CENTRAL OVERREACH AND THE EROSION OF THE SOVEREIGNTY IN INDIAN FEDERALISM

Abstract

The chapter will address the unique aspects of federalism in India, which has a dual form of government but also has unitary traits such as power centralisation in times of national emergency, as well as the constitutional consequences. The chapter will go into further detail on the constitutional status of the centre-state relationship, as well as the unique blend of centralisation and decentralisation of authority between the centre and the state governments in regards to the subjects included in the Indian Constitution's seventh schedule. The chapter will elaborate on the central government's misuse of power in reducing the power of the state government, as well as deliberate attempts to destabilize the state government through the use of investigation agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation and Enforcement Directorate, which violates the fundamental structure of the Indian Constitution.