GST classical example of cooperative federalism: CJI Chandrachud

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

GST) in India was a «classical example of cooperative federalism,» Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud said here on Saturday. The courts have, over the last few decades, evolved a robust framework on federalism to ensure that the states' rights are protected, he said, speaking on 'Understanding Federalism and Its Potential" at the inaugural annual lecture series organized by the Marathi daily 'Loksatta'.

Federalism, for Indians, is not a «monolithic concept» but has multiple facets, the CJI said.

Cooperative federalism is a system of governance where the Centre and the states work together to «iron out differences to achieve the common goal of development,» he said. The dialogue between the Union government and the states must be placed on «two ends of the spectrum,» Chandrachud said, adding that at one end are collaborative discussions that cooperative federalism fosters, while «interstitial contestation» between the states and the Union are at the other end.

«Both forms of dialogue are equally important for federalism and for our nation to flourish, and what better example (one can think of) than the introduction of the GST,» the CJI added. Post 1990, when the Indian economy underwent market reforms, the economy has come to occupy the centrestage of the political discourse, he said.

«The amendment in the Constitution to reflect and embody the GST, is to my mind a classical example of collaborative, cooperative federalism,» Chandrachud added. The courts have played an important role in developing the principles of Indian federalism, said the chief justice.