Inter-State Relations
Coordination & Comity
PART I — DISPUTES & COORDINATION
ARTICLE 262
Water Disputes
- Adjudication of disputes relating to waters of inter-state rivers/valleys.
- Parliament may by law provide for adjudication.
- Parliament can exclude Supreme Court/other courts from jurisdiction in such disputes (e.g., Inter-State Water Disputes Act, 1956).
ARTICLE 263
Inter-State Council
- Established by the President to effect coordination between states.
- Advisory body to investigate and discuss common subjects.
- Set up in 1990 on Sarkaria Commission's recommendation.
- Chaired by the Prime Minister.
PART II — MUTUAL RECOGNITION & TRADE
ARTICLE 261
Full Faith & Credit
- Public acts, records, and judicial proceedings of the Union and every State shall be given "full faith and credit" throughout India.
- Ensures legal and administrative continuity across borders.
- Final judgments of civil courts in any part of India can be executed anywhere within India.
ARTICLE 301-307
Freedom of Trade
- Trade, commerce, and intercourse shall be free throughout the territory of India (Art 301).
- Aims to break down internal economic barriers.
- Exceptions exist: Parliament/States can impose reasonable restrictions in the public interest (Art 302-304).
- No discrimination between goods of different states.
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