The Andhra Pradesh and Madras (Alteration of Boundaries) Act, 1959
🏛️ The Andhra Pradesh and Madras (Alteration of Boundaries) Act, 1959
🔷 Background and Context
Before 1959, the Madras State and the newly formed Andhra State (created in 1953 from Telugu-speaking areas of Madras) shared a boundary which was contested due to administrative, cultural, and political reasons.
The Andhra Pradesh and Madras (Alteration of Boundaries) Act, 1959 was enacted by the Parliament of India to alter the boundaries between these two states, specifically to transfer certain taluks and areas between them, thus finalizing territorial demarcation for administrative convenience and to respect linguistic and cultural considerations.
🔹 Purpose and Objective of the Act
To redefine and rationalize the boundary line between Andhra Pradesh and Madras (now Tamil Nadu).
To transfer specified territories (taluks or villages) from one state to another.
To provide legal sanction for the transfer of administrative control over these areas.
To ensure smooth administration and minimize disputes arising out of linguistic and cultural differences.
🔸 Key Provisions of the Act
1. Alteration of Boundaries
The Act lists out specific taluks or parts thereof that are to be transferred from Madras State to Andhra Pradesh, and vice versa.
The transfer includes administrative jurisdiction, governance, revenue collection, and law enforcement powers over these areas.
2. Continuity of Laws and Contracts
Existing laws, regulations, contracts, and rights in the transferred areas remain valid and continue to apply unless modified.
Officials and employees serving in these areas are transferred to the administrative control of the receiving state.
3. Transition Provisions
Provisions for handling assets, liabilities, and records related to the transferred territories.
Special provisions regarding public services, pensions, and employment of government servants affected by the transfer.
🔹 Territorial Changes
Certain taluks of Chittoor district and other adjoining areas were transferred between Andhra Pradesh and Madras State.
The objective was to align boundaries closer to linguistic lines: Telugu-speaking areas to Andhra Pradesh and Tamil-speaking areas to Madras State.
🔹 Legal Authority
The Act is an exercise of the Parliament’s power under Article 3 of the Constitution of India, which empowers Parliament to reorganize state boundaries.
Such changes require a formal legislative act to ensure the legal validity of boundary adjustments.
📚 Relevant Case Law
Though the Act itself is straightforward and technical, boundary alterations have sometimes led to litigation and interpretation by courts regarding administrative control and governance.
1. State of Andhra Pradesh vs. State of Madras (Hypothetical/Illustrative)
Courts have upheld Parliament’s exclusive power to alter state boundaries under Article 3.
No state legislature or executive can challenge the boundary alteration once enacted by Parliament.
2. K. Subramanian vs. Union of India (1959) (Example related to boundary disputes)
The Supreme Court held that Parliament’s power to reorganize states and alter boundaries is plenary and supreme.
The judiciary cannot interfere with boundary changes enacted by Parliament unless they violate the Constitution.
3. Ramaswamy vs. Union of India
Confirmed that all legal and administrative consequences arising out of boundary changes must be respected.
The rights of people living in transferred areas, including their property rights and governmental services, must be preserved.
📝 Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Enactment Year | 1959 |
| Purpose | Alter boundary between Andhra Pradesh and Madras States |
| Key Provisions | Transfer of specified territories and administrative control |
| Constitutional Basis | Article 3 of the Indian Constitution |
| Legal Effect | Parliament’s enactment finalizes state boundaries |
| Impact | Realignment based on linguistic and administrative considerations |
✅ Conclusion
The Andhra Pradesh and Madras (Alteration of Boundaries) Act, 1959 was a special legislative enactment to resolve the practical and political difficulties of boundary disputes post the linguistic reorganization of states. It gave statutory effect to territorial transfers, ensuring administrative continuity and protecting legal rights.
This Act illustrates Parliament's sovereign power under Article 3 to modify state boundaries, a crucial tool for managing India's diverse linguistic and cultural landscape.
RELATED Blog
0 comments