In a significant move aimed at asserting state rights and autonomy, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin announced the formation of a high-level committee under retired Supreme Court judge Kurian Joseph. The announcement, made on April 15 during a speech in the Tamil Nadu State Assembly, signals a growing tension in Centre-State relations, with Stalin alleging that states' rights were being gradually eroded by the Centre.

Objective Behind the Panel Formation

The primary objective of the newly constituted committee is to re-examine the balance of power between the Union and state governments, and to safeguard state autonomy as enshrined in the Constitution. Stalin clarified that the panel would look into the legal and constitutional possibilities of restoring powers that were originally part of the State List but were later shifted to the Concurrent List.

The committee’s interim report is due by January 2026, and the final report with recommendations will be submitted in two years—by 2028.

Committee Members and Composition

The three-member committee comprises:

• Justice Kurian Joseph, former Supreme Court judge – Chairperson

• Ashok Vardhan Shetty, former bureaucrat – Member

• M Naganathan, former Vice Chairman of the Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission – Member

These individuals bring deep legal, administrative, and policy-making experience, which is expected to bolster the committee's efforts.

Focus Areas of the Committee

The Chief Minister pointed out that the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is an example of how state powers have been eroded, as it falls outside the purview of state control despite strong opposition from Tamil Nadu.

The committee will explore:

• The restoration of subjects from the Concurrent List to the State List

• Examination of institutional and federal mechanisms that support state autonomy

• Assessing how constitutional provisions have been interpreted and used to restrict or override state powers

Backdrop: Federalism and the NEET Controversy

Tamil Nadu has been a vocal critic of NEET, stating it discriminates against students from rural and economically weaker backgrounds. On April 4, Stalin informed the assembly that the President had rejected Tamil Nadu’s resolution seeking exemption from NEET. Calling it a “dark chapter in federalism”, Stalin expressed frustration over the Centre’s indifference towards the state’s consistent demands.

This committee announcement is seen as a response to not just the NEET issue but also the broader pattern of centralization, which Stalin believes is undermining Indian federalism.

Supreme Court Verdict on Governor's Withheld Bills

Adding to the Centre-state friction, the Supreme Court recently ruled that Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi’s refusal to assent to 10 state bills was illegal and arbitrary.

The Supreme Court held:

"The Governor must give assent to a bill when it is re-presented after state assembly reconsideration. The action of reserving the bills for the President was illegal and arbitrary."

This judgement significantly strengthens the position of state legislatures, reinforcing the limited discretionary powers of governors in withholding bills.

Political Context: Manifesto Promises and Federal Debate

The DMK’s 2021 election manifesto had clearly promised to fight for greater state autonomy, especially in areas like education, advocating that it be moved entirely to the State List.

Stalin’s move to formally set up this committee aligns with the manifesto promises, and reflects a broader push against perceived central overreach.

Governor’s Controversial Remarks and Political Fallout

Recently, Governor R N Ravi’s remarks on caste-based atrocities in Tamil Nadu sparked political outrage. While addressing a public event commemorating Dr. B R Ambedkar, he expressed concern over the plight of Dalits in the state, claiming he was "pained" by their situation.

These comments were met with strong opposition from state ministers, particularly Minister Govi Chezhian, who accused the Governor of spreading falsehoods and diverting attention from the atrocities happening in states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

This escalating rift between the Governor’s office and the state government further highlights the urgency and relevance of the newly formed committee.

Pushback Against Centralisation

The Centre-state power dynamic has been a longstanding issue in Indian politics. However, Tamil Nadu has emerged as a leading voice advocating for federalism, often challenging:

• The unilateral implementation of central schemes

• Encroachments on state subjects such as education, health, and policing

• Delays and denials of assent by Governors, which are seen as politically motivated

With this new committee, the DMK government is taking a proactive legal and constitutional approach to counter these trends.

Why This Matters for Other States

Although initiated by Tamil Nadu, this move may set a precedent for other states seeking more autonomy, especially in opposition-led governments. If the committee’s findings gain traction, it could trigger a national debate on redefining federalism in India, particularly around:

• Decentralization of education and healthcare

• Greater financial autonomy

• Redefining the role of Governors in a democracy

Conclusion

Tamil Nadu’s decision to constitute a panel under a retired SC judge is a strategic step towards reasserting state rights in India’s evolving federal structure. While the final report is expected only by 2028, the very formation of such a body underlines the state's commitment to constitutional safeguards, its resistance to over-centralisation, and a broader aspiration for equitable governance.

This development, alongside the Supreme Court's landmark judgment, Governor's controversial actions, and the ongoing NEET dispute, ensures that the conversation around Indian federalism and state autonomy is far from over.

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