30. Consider the following statements:
1. The Inter-State Council was set up under Article 263 of the Constitution.
2. The Punchhi Commission recommended the establishment of the Inter-State Council.
3. The Union Home Minister is the Chairman of the Inter-State Council.
4. It discusses matters of common interest and suggests policies for better coordination.
Choose the correct combination.
[OPSC Odisha Civil Services Prelims – 12 October 2025]
(A) 1 and 4
(B) 1, 3 and 4
(C) 2, 3 and 1
(D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (A) 1 and 4
Explanation: Article 263 provides for the Council, whose functions include consultation and policy coordination. The Sarkaria Commission, rather than the later Punchhi Commission, recommended its establishment. The Prime Minister chairs the Council, while the Home Minister chairs its Standing Committee.
29. Consider the following statements:
1. Article 262 empowers Parliament to set up tribunals for river disputes.
2. The Supreme Court has appellate jurisdiction in such disputes.
Which of the above is/are correct?
[SSC CGL – 17 September 2025, Shift 2]
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (A) Only 1
Explanation: Article 262 enables Parliament to establish a mechanism for adjudicating interstate water disputes and exclude ordinary court jurisdiction. The Supreme Court does not possess a general statutory appellate jurisdiction over such tribunal decisions, although particular constitutional remedies may raise separate jurisdictional questions.
28. Under Article 262 of the Indian Constitution, which interpretation most accurately reflects Parliament’s authority regarding inter-State water disputes?
[SSC CGL – 14 September 2025, Shift 3]
(A) Legislate on river navigation but not bar Supreme Court jurisdiction
(B) Set up tribunals for water disputes and bar Supreme Court review
(C) Abolish State-level water bodies permanently
(D) Mandate Inter-State Council mediation before court action
Answer: (B) Set up tribunals for water disputes and bar Supreme Court review
Explanation: Article 262 permits Parliament to legislate for adjudication of interstate river-water disputes and exclude judicial jurisdiction over covered disputes. The Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, provides a tribunal mechanism. Constitutional judicial oversight presents a separate legal question.
27. The Inter-State Council is constituted under which Article?
[RRB NTPC Undergraduate CBT-I – 22 August 2025, Shift 2]
(A) Article 263
(B) Article 368
(C) Article 280
(D) Article 346
Answer: (A) Article 263
Explanation: Article 263 authorises the President to establish an Inter-State Council when public interest requires it. Article 280 concerns the Finance Commission, Article 368 concerns constitutional amendments, and Article 346 concerns the official language used for interstate and Union-state communication.
26. What is the primary function of the Inter-State Council?
[SSC Selection Post Higher Secondary Level – 28 July 2025, Shift 2]
(A) Resolve disputes between states
(B) Control inter-state trade
(C) Allocate central funds
(D) Elect the President
Answer: (A) Resolve disputes between states
Explanation: Among the given choices, advising upon disputes between states is a constitutional function of the Inter-State Council. The Council also discusses matters of common interest and recommends coordination. Its role is advisory, not equivalent to binding judicial adjudication.
25. With reference to India, consider the following:
I. The Inter-State Council
II. The National Security Council
III. Zonal Councils
How many of the above were established as per the provisions of the Constitution of India?
[UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2025, GS Paper I]
(A) Only one
(B) Only two
(C) All the three
(D) None
Answer: (A) Only one
Explanation: Only the Inter-State Council has an explicit constitutional basis under Article 263. The National Security Council is an executive institution, while Zonal Councils derive their authority from the States Reorganisation Act, 1956. Therefore, only one institution satisfies the condition.
24. Which of the following Constitution Amendment Acts introduced GST (Goods and Services Tax) in the course of inter-state trade or commerce?
[UPSC CDS-I – 13 April 2025, General Knowledge]
(A) Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act
(B) Constitution (One Hundred and Second Amendment) Act
(C) Constitution (One Hundred and Fourth Amendment) Act
(D) Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act
Answer: (A) Constitution (One Hundred and First Amendment) Act
Explanation: The 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016, established the constitutional framework for GST. Article 269A addresses GST on interstate supplies, while Article 246A allocates legislative competence. These provisions support a harmonised national indirect-tax system.
23. Which Article of the Constitution provides for the adjudication of interstate water disputes?
[SSC GD Constable – 18 February 2025, Shift 1]
(A) Article 215
(B) Article 262
(C) Article 258
(D) Article 210
Answer: (B) Article 262
Explanation: Article 262 specifically addresses disputes concerning the use, distribution and control of waters of interstate rivers and river valleys. Parliament enacted the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, to create a specialised statutory mechanism for adjudicating such conflicts.
22. Under which of the following Articles of the Constitution has the Inter-State Council been constituted?
[UKPSC Combined Upper PCS Prelims – 14 July 2024]
(A) Article 360
(B) Article 263
(C) Article 365
(D) Article 368
Answer: (B) Article 263
Explanation: Article 263 provides the constitutional foundation for an Inter-State Council established by Presidential Order. Article 360 concerns Financial Emergency, Article 365 addresses consequences of noncompliance with Union directions, and Article 368 prescribes the constitutional amendment procedure.
21. Which of the following statements regarding the constitution of the Finance Commission is/are correct?
1. The Government of India has recently constituted the Sixteenth Finance Commission under the Chairmanship of Dr. Arvind Panagariya.
2. The Finance Commission is constituted in pursuance of Article 263 of the Constitution of India.
Select the correct answer.
[UPSC NDA General Ability Test – 21 April 2024]
(A) 1 only
(B) 2 only
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (A) 1 only
Explanation: The Sixteenth Finance Commission was constituted under the chairmanship of Arvind Panagariya. The Finance Commission originates from Article 280, not Article 263. Article 263 concerns the Inter-State Council, another constitutional mechanism connected with federal coordination.
