Current Affairs: Passage of the Day - 18 April 2025 | Current Affairs & General Knowledge - CLAT PDF Download

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin’s move to form a high-level committee to study the constitutional and legal provisions that impact Centre-state relations can be regarded as an extension of its ongoing tussle with New Delhi. In recent months, TN has raised several issues including the imposition of the three-language policy, exemption from the common medical entrance test, and alleged discrimination in the devolution of funds.
The three-member committee headed by former Supreme Court judge Kurian Joseph is expected to make recommendations to achieve “maximum state autonomy without harming the unity and integrity of the nation”. It is also mandated to suggest ways to restore subjects transferred from State list to the Concurrent one and look at measures needed to address the challenges states face in delivering good governance.
Stalin’s announcement comes almost 56 years after the first committee with a similar mandate was formed by his father and former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi in 1969 under Justice P V Rajamannar. The other two panels that considered the subject were the Sarkaria Commission of 1983 and the Punchhi Commission of 2007. All of them looked into the misuse of Article 356 that resulted in frequent dismissal of elected state governments, the powers and duties of governors, and the role of interstate councils in fostering better Centre-state relationships.
The recent Supreme Court judgement that laid down timelines for governors and the president on granting assent to bills has reinforced the primacy of the role of elected state governments in framing laws and curtailed the discretion of nominal heads. The court also invoked its powers under Article 142 to hold 10 bills that were pending to be deemed as been assented to.
As the Centre is likely to appeal the verdict, a protracted legal showdown may ensue. But the reasons that triggered the judiciary’s intervention and the committee’s formation need to be addressed. One cannot ignore that non-BJP state governments have repeatedly raised apprehensions over fund devolution by the Centre, ideological impositions that go against cultural diversity and governors’ action or inaction on bills. It would help several states if the Kurian Joseph committee offers legal tools to help states redeem their powers and clarify the Centre’s role—all for the greater good of the country.
[Excerpt from New Indian Express "Sir Chettur Sankaran Nair" Dated 18/04/25]

Q1: Who has been appointed as the chairperson of the high-level committee formed by Tamil Nadu to review Centre-State relations in 2024?
(a) Dr. P V Rajamannar
(b) Justice Kurian Joseph
(c) M K Stalin
(d) C N Annadurai

View Answer  

Ans: (b)
Sol: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin announced Justice Kurian Joseph as the chairperson of the new high-level committee to review Centre-State relations.

Q2: What was the main recommendation of the Rajamannar Committee (1969) regarding Article 356 of the Indian Constitution?
(a) Strengthen it
(b) Repeal it
(c) Expand its powers
(d) Apply it more frequently

View Answer  

Ans: (b)
Sol: The Rajamannar Committee recommended repealing Article 356, which allows President’s Rule in states, as it was seen as a threat to state autonomy.

Q3: Which argument did the Rajamannar Committee reject regarding the need for a strong Centre?
(a) It is essential for national unity
(b) It strengthens states
(c) It reduces inter-state conflict
(d) It improves state finances

View Answer  

Ans: (a)
Sol: The Committee argued that a too-powerful Centre weakens national unity, and true strength lies in clarity and respecting the limits of central control.

Q4: Which Tamil Nadu leader initiated the 1969 Centre-State Relations Inquiry Committee?
(a) M K Stalin
(b) Justice Kurian Joseph
(c) C N Annadurai
(d) K Kamaraj

View Answer  

Ans: (c)
Sol: The 1969 Rajamannar Committee was established by then Chief Minister C N Annadurai to examine the balance of power between Centre and States.

Q5: What current issue does not feature among Tamil Nadu’s disputes with the BJP-led central government mentioned in the passage?
(a) NEET
(b) GST compensation
(c) Water-sharing agreements
(d) Language policy

View Answer  

Ans: (c)
Sol: While NEET, GST compensation, and language policy are ongoing issues between Tamil Nadu and the Centre, water-sharing disputes were not mentioned in this context.