Inter-state border disputes
Topic: Federalism and Centre-State Relations · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 7 "Federalism"
Meaning
Inter-state border disputes are claims by one state over land held by a neighbouring state. They often arise because people in border areas speak more than one language, so two linguistic states can both claim the same place. Such disputes need political negotiation as much as legal settlement, and they test trust within the federation.
Example
Punjab and Haryana have long disputed Chandigarh. Maharashtra claims Belagavi from Karnataka; the Mahajan Commission (1966) largely backed Karnataka, and the case is pending in the Supreme Court. Assam also has border disputes with its north-eastern neighbours.
Don't confuse with
- Inter-state river water disputes: water disputes have a special settlement system under Art. 262 and the 1956 Act. Class 11 NCERT also calls them more serious because they involve drinking water and farming.
Related concepts
- Inter-state river water disputes
- Inter-State River Water Disputes Act 1956
- Inter-state water disputes tribunal
- River Boards Act 1956
- Cauvery water dispute
- Cauvery Water Management Authority
- Narmada water dispute
- Ravi-Beas water dispute
- Belgaum border dispute