Tamil Nadu government disbands committee on Centre-State relations
The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government dissolved the panel led by Justice Kurian Joseph, citing overlapping functions with the State Law Commission.
The Tamil Nadu government has disbanded a high-level committee led by former Supreme Court Justice Kurian Joseph that was tasked with studying state autonomy and Centre-State relations. According to BusinessLine, the committee was formed in April 2025 by the previous DMK government to suggest measures for increasing state powers.
The new TVK government issued a Government Order (GO) stating that the committee's functions had considerable similarity and overlap with the Tamil Nadu State Law Commission. The State Law Commission was reconstituted on August 7 to examine matters regarding Inter-State and Centre-State relations, review existing laws, and improve the state's legal framework.
South First reported that sources within the committee alleged Law Minister CTR Nirmal Kumar was behind the decision to dissolve the panel. These sources claimed the move was part of a planned effort to weaken the institution.
The committee had reportedly faced administrative difficulties since the TVK government took office in May 2026, including the non-renewal of contracts for research personnel. Sources also alleged that efforts were made to persuade Justice Kurian Joseph to resign as chairman.
The government has directed the committee's Secretary and Committee Officer to hand over all relevant papers and records to the Tamil Nadu State Law Commission immediately. The order does not clarify if the unfinished work of the committee will be continued by the Law Commission.