Ideas of India Abishek Choutagunta on Federalism, President’s Rule, and Constitutional Design
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Oct 31, 2024 Abishek Choutagunta, a PhD in economics and an Emergent Ventures India Fellow, delves into Indian federalism and constitutional design. He discusses the controversial use of President's Rule, highlighting its misuse as a political tool. The conversation explores the complexities of local governance, issues of authority delegation, and the impact of centripetal federalism on state autonomy. Additionally, Abishek addresses the challenges of coalition governments and the implications of the SR Bommai case on political dynamics, revealing deep insights into India's governance structure.
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President's Rule: Politics Over Emergencies
- President's Rule allows the central government to dismiss state governments under Article 356 for purported emergencies.
- The study shows it's often used for political opportunism rather than real emergencies.
Political Capture of President's Rule
- Weaker state governments face a higher chance of president's rule imposed, especially coalition governments.
- Riots and natural disasters do not predict president's rule; only the death of a chief minister spiked its likelihood.
S.R. Bommai's Legal Impact
- The 1994 S.R. Bommai Supreme Court judgment significantly increased the cost of imposing president's rule.
- After it, political opportunism factors no longer predict imposition except for chief minister death.