Part XI: Relations Between the Union and the States
Articles 245–263 · Part XI is the rulebook for how power is actually divided between the Union and the States — which government can make which laws (legislative relations), and how they cooperate or resolve disputes in administration, including inter-state river water sharing.
The provisions in this Part cited most often
With landmark Supreme Court cases that shaped how they're actually applied.
Subject-matter of laws — the Union, State and Concurrent Lists
Parliament makes laws on the Union List (defence, foreign affairs, railways...), State Legislatures on the State List (police, public health, agriculture...), and both can legislate on the Concurrent List (education, marriage, criminal law...) — all three lists live in the Seventh Schedule.
Special provision for Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Added by the 101st Amendment, 2016, this Article uniquely lets BOTH Parliament and every State Legislature levy GST on the same transaction simultaneously — a deliberate departure from the usual exclusive-list model, built around the GST Council.
Adjudication of inter-state river water disputes
Lets Parliament set up special Tribunals for disputes between states over shared rivers, and — critically — bars the Supreme Court and other courts from exercising jurisdiction over such disputes once a law under this Article applies, though courts have narrowed this bar over time.
All of Articles 245–263
Grouped by subject so related provisions stay together — every article number in this Part is covered below.
Extent of laws made by Parliament and State Legislatures
Parliament can make laws for all of India (or part); a State Legislature generally only for its own state, with some laws having extra-territorial effect if there's a sufficient nexus.
Union, State and Concurrent Lists
Divides law-making subjects between the three lists in the Seventh Schedule, with Parliament having overriding power on the Concurrent List in case of conflict.
Special provision for GST
Allows simultaneous Union and State power to tax goods and services, structured around the GST Council.
Additional courts
Lets Parliament establish additional courts for better administration of Union-List laws.
Residuary powers of legislation
Any subject not listed in any of the three Lists falls to Parliament by default.
Parliament's power to legislate on a State List matter in the national interest
If the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution (two-thirds majority) declaring it necessary in the national interest, Parliament can temporarily legislate on a State subject.
Parliament's power during a national Emergency
While a Proclamation of Emergency is in force, Parliament can legislate on any State List subject.
Inconsistency between Union and State laws under 249/250
A State law inconsistent with a Union law made under these special powers is void to the extent of the inconsistency.
Legislation for two or more States by consent
If two or more states consent, Parliament can legislate on a State subject for those states specifically.
Legislation for giving effect to international agreements
Parliament can legislate on any subject, even a State one, to implement a treaty, international agreement or convention.
Inconsistency between Union and State laws (repugnancy)
On the Concurrent List, a Union law generally prevails over a conflicting State law, unless the State law received the President's specific assent.
Requirements as to recommendations and previous sanctions
A law isn't invalid merely because a procedural recommendation or prior sanction requirement wasn't formally followed, if the President/Governor later assented.
Obligation of States and the Union
States must exercise executive power to ensure compliance with Union laws; the Union can direct a state to secure that compliance.
Control of the Union over States in certain cases
Extra Union direction powers over nationally-important communications and railway protection within a state.
Union delegating functions to States
With a state's consent, the Union can entrust its own executive functions to that state's government or officers.
States delegating functions to the Union
The reverse — a state can, with Union consent, entrust its executive functions to the Union.
(Repealed) Armed Forces in Part B States
Became irrelevant once the 'Part B States' classification was abolished by the 7th Amendment, 1956.
Jurisdiction of the Union in relation to territories outside India
Lets India take on executive/legislative/judicial functions for an outside territory by agreement.
Public acts, records and judicial proceedings
'Full faith and credit' — a judgment or record from one state is legally recognised throughout India.
Inter-state river water disputes
Parliament can set up special Tribunals to adjudicate disputes between states over shared rivers, and can limit ordinary courts' jurisdiction over such disputes.
Inter-State Council
The President can establish an Inter-State Council to inquire into and advise on disputes, and to discuss subjects of common interest between the Union and the States.
Related rights categories
Quick answers about this Part
Who wins if a Union law and a State law conflict?
Can the Supreme Court decide a river water-sharing dispute between two states?
This is a plain-language guide to Part XI of the Constitution of India for general educational purposes, not a substitute for the bare text of the Constitution or professional legal advice. Article numbering and content reflect amendments up to 2026; always cross-check the authoritative text at india.gov.in or legislative.gov.in before relying on it for a legal matter.