Unitary Features
The Centralizing Tendency of the Indian State
PART I — LEGISLATIVE DOMINANCE
SUB-REALM 07.1
Strong Centre
- Highly skewed division
- Residuary powers
- Dominant Union List
- Central override
SUB-REALM 07.2
Destructible States
- Article 3 boundary changes
- Parliament alters boundaries
- No territorial integrity
- Indestructible Union
SUB-REALM 07.3
Single Constitution
- One framework
- No state constitutions
- Uniform administration
- Shared rules
SUB-REALM 07.4
Flexibility
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- Unilateral Parliament action
- Simple majority changes
- State ratification rare
- Easy amendments
SUB-REALM 07.5
Emergency Provisions
- Converts to Unitary
- Total central control
- No formal amendment
- Safeguards sovereignty
SUB-REALM 07.6
Veto Over State Bills
- Governor reserves bills
- Presidential absolute veto
- No assent obligation
- Central check
PART II — ADMINISTRATIVE INTEGRATION
SUB-REALM 07.7
Single Citizenship
🌍
- No state citizenship
- Uniform rights
- National unity
- Prevents divided loyalties
SUB-REALM 07.8
Integrated Judiciary
- Single court hierarchy
- Enforces all laws
- Supreme Court apex
- Unified system
SUB-REALM 07.9
All-India Services
- IAS, IPS, IFS
- Recruited by Centre
- Serves both levels
- Restricts state autonomy
SUB-REALM 07.10
Appointment of Governor
- Presidential appointee
- Agent of Centre
- Central supervision
- Holds pleasure
SUB-REALM 07.11
Integrated Election Machinery
- ECI conducts all
- President appoints
- No state control
- Uniform process
SUB-REALM 07.12
Integrated Audit Machinery
- CAG audits both
- Presidential appointment
- Restricts fiscal autonomy
- Single authority
Return to Index: Indian Polity