{"id":34315,"date":"2026-10-16T11:04:58","date_gmt":"2026-10-16T11:04:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/?p=34315"},"modified":"2026-10-16T11:08:57","modified_gmt":"2026-10-16T11:08:57","slug":"the-state-and-sovereignty-concepts-theories-and-the-indian-constitutional-framework","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-state-and-sovereignty-concepts-theories-and-the-indian-constitutional-framework\/","title":{"rendered":"The State and Sovereignty: Concepts, Theories and the Indian Constitutional Framework"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 id=\"h-introduction\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Introduction\"><\/span>Introduction<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The State and sovereignty are foundational concepts in political science, constitutional law, and jurisprudence. The State is a politically organised community that exercises authority over a defined territory and population. Sovereignty denotes the supreme internal authority and external independence of the State.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_88 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-state-and-sovereignty-concepts-theories-and-the-indian-constitutional-framework\/#Introduction\" >Introduction<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-state-and-sovereignty-concepts-theories-and-the-indian-constitutional-framework\/#Meaning_and_Essential_Elements_of_the_State\" >Meaning and Essential Elements of the State<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-state-and-sovereignty-concepts-theories-and-the-indian-constitutional-framework\/#Meaning_and_Definitions_of_Sovereignty\" >Meaning and Definitions of Sovereignty<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-state-and-sovereignty-concepts-theories-and-the-indian-constitutional-framework\/#Essential_Characteristics_of_Sovereignty\" >Essential Characteristics of Sovereignty<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-state-and-sovereignty-concepts-theories-and-the-indian-constitutional-framework\/#Types_of_Sovereignty\" >Types of Sovereignty<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-state-and-sovereignty-concepts-theories-and-the-indian-constitutional-framework\/#Major_Theories_of_Sovereignty\" >Major Theories of Sovereignty<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-state-and-sovereignty-concepts-theories-and-the-indian-constitutional-framework\/#Monistic_or_Absolute_Theory\" >Monistic or Absolute Theory<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-state-and-sovereignty-concepts-theories-and-the-indian-constitutional-framework\/#Pluralist_Theory\" >Pluralist Theory<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-state-and-sovereignty-concepts-theories-and-the-indian-constitutional-framework\/#Popular_Theory\" >Popular Theory<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-state-and-sovereignty-concepts-theories-and-the-indian-constitutional-framework\/#Divine_Right_Theory\" >Divine Right Theory<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-state-and-sovereignty-concepts-theories-and-the-indian-constitutional-framework\/#Patriarchal_and_Matriarchal_Theories\" >Patriarchal and Matriarchal Theories<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-state-and-sovereignty-concepts-theories-and-the-indian-constitutional-framework\/#John_Austins_Theory_of_Sovereignty\" >John Austin\u2019s Theory of Sovereignty<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-state-and-sovereignty-concepts-theories-and-the-indian-constitutional-framework\/#Salmonds_Approach_to_Sovereignty\" >Salmond\u2019s Approach to Sovereignty<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-state-and-sovereignty-concepts-theories-and-the-indian-constitutional-framework\/#Difference_Between_Austin_and_Salmond\" >Difference Between Austin and Salmond<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-state-and-sovereignty-concepts-theories-and-the-indian-constitutional-framework\/#Sovereignty_and_the_Indian_Constitution\" >Sovereignty and the Indian Constitution<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-state-and-sovereignty-concepts-theories-and-the-indian-constitutional-framework\/#Article_12_and_the_Concept_of_Sovereignty_in_Indian_Constitutional_Jurisprudence\" >Article 12 and the Concept of Sovereignty in Indian Constitutional Jurisprudence<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-state-and-sovereignty-concepts-theories-and-the-indian-constitutional-framework\/#Sovereignty_in_Federalism_and_International_Law\" >Sovereignty in Federalism and International Law<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-state-and-sovereignty-concepts-theories-and-the-indian-constitutional-framework\/#Sovereignty_in_the_Age_of_Globalisation\" >Sovereignty in the Age of Globalisation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-state-and-sovereignty-concepts-theories-and-the-indian-constitutional-framework\/#Difference_Between_State_Government_and_Sovereignty\" >Difference Between State, Government, and Sovereignty<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-state-and-sovereignty-concepts-theories-and-the-indian-constitutional-framework\/#Importance_and_Limitations_of_Sovereignty\" >Importance and Limitations of Sovereignty<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-state-and-sovereignty-concepts-theories-and-the-indian-constitutional-framework\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While sovereignty enables a State to make laws, maintain order, protect its people, and conduct international relations, in modern constitutional democracies this authority is exercised within constitutional and legal limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-meaning-and-essential-elements-of-the-state\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Meaning_and_Essential_Elements_of_the_State\"><\/span>Meaning and Essential Elements of the State<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A State is a politically organised community possessing four essential elements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Population<\/strong> \u2013 the people inhabiting the State;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Territory<\/strong> \u2013 a defined geographical area;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Government<\/strong> \u2013 the institutions that make and implement laws; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sovereignty<\/strong> \u2013 supreme internal authority and external independence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">India possesses all four elements and is recognised as an independent sovereign State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-meaning-and-definitions-of-sovereignty\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Meaning_and_Definitions_of_Sovereignty\"><\/span>Meaning and Definitions of Sovereignty<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sovereignty means the supreme authority of the State to govern its internal affairs and maintain independence in external relations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Important definitions include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Jean Bodin:<\/strong> Sovereignty is the absolute and perpetual power of the State.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Thomas Hobbes:<\/strong> A strong sovereign authority is necessary to maintain peace and order.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>John Austin:<\/strong> Sovereignty belongs to a determinate human superior who receives habitual obedience from the bulk of society but does not habitually obey any other earthly superior.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Jean-Jacques Rousseau:<\/strong> Sovereignty belongs to the people and is expressed through the general will.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-essential-characteristics-of-sovereignty\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Essential_Characteristics_of_Sovereignty\"><\/span>Essential Characteristics of Sovereignty<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Supremacy<\/strong> \u2013 highest authority within the legal and constitutional order.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Permanence<\/strong> \u2013 continues despite changes in government.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Universality<\/strong> \u2013 extends throughout the territory, subject to legal exceptions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Independence<\/strong> \u2013 the State is not legally subordinate to another State.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Inalienability<\/strong> \u2013 permanent surrender of sovereignty would destroy the State\u2019s independent status.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Indivisibility<\/strong> \u2013 classical theory regards ultimate sovereignty as indivisible, though governmental powers may be constitutionally distributed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Originality<\/strong> \u2013 traditionally understood as original rather than derived authority.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-types-of-sovereignty\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Types_of_Sovereignty\"><\/span>Types of Sovereignty<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Internal Sovereignty<\/strong> \u2013 authority exercised within the State.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>External Sovereignty<\/strong> \u2013 independence in international relations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Legal Sovereignty<\/strong> \u2013 authority legally empowered to make laws.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Political Sovereignty<\/strong> \u2013 the real political forces that influence government.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Popular Sovereignty<\/strong> \u2013 the principle that legitimate authority originates from the people.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>De Jure Sovereignty<\/strong> \u2013 authority recognised by law.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>De Facto Sovereignty<\/strong> \u2013 authority actually exercised in practice.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-major-theories-of-sovereignty\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Major_Theories_of_Sovereignty\"><\/span>Major Theories of Sovereignty<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-monistic-or-absolute-theory\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Monistic_or_Absolute_Theory\"><\/span>Monistic or Absolute Theory<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sovereignty is supreme, indivisible, and concentrated in one ultimate authority (Bodin, Hobbes, Austin).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Criticism:<\/strong> Inadequate for explaining constitutional limitations, federalism, and democratic accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-pluralist-theory\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pluralist_Theory\"><\/span>Pluralist Theory<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Authority is distributed among various social institutions (Laski, Cole, Figgis).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Criticism:<\/strong> May understate the need for an effective central legal system to resolve conflicts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-popular-theory\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Popular_Theory\"><\/span>Popular Theory<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sovereignty ultimately belongs to the people (Rousseau). Governments derive legitimacy from popular consent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Limitation:<\/strong> Majority will cannot justify violation of fundamental rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-divine-right-theory\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Divine_Right_Theory\"><\/span>Divine Right Theory<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rulers derive authority directly from God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Criticism:<\/strong> Incompatible with modern democratic and constitutional principles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-patriarchal-and-matriarchal-theories\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Patriarchal_and_Matriarchal_Theories\"><\/span>Patriarchal and Matriarchal Theories<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The State originated from the expansion of family authority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Criticism:<\/strong> Insufficient to explain the complex historical evolution of the modern State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-john-austin-s-theory-of-sovereignty\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"John_Austins_Theory_of_Sovereignty\"><\/span>John Austin\u2019s Theory of Sovereignty<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In The Province of Jurisprudence Determined (1832), Austin defined the sovereign as a determinate human superior who receives habitual obedience from the bulk of society and is not habitually obedient to any other earthly superior. Law is the command of the sovereign backed by sanctions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Main features:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Identifiable superior;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Habitual obedience;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Legal unlimitedness within his model;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Indivisibility.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Criticism:<\/strong> Fails to accommodate constitutional limitations, federalism, customary law, and judicial review. In India, Parliament is limited by the Constitution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-salmond-s-approach-to-sovereignty\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Salmonds_Approach_to_Sovereignty\"><\/span>Salmond\u2019s Approach to Sovereignty<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sir John Salmond defined law as the body of principles recognised and applied by the State in the administration of justice. He rejected the assumption that absence of subordination automatically means unlimited power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key points:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Legal authority is defined by the rules of the legal system.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Limitation of power does not necessarily imply subordination.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Different bodies may exercise powers within constitutionally allocated fields.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Legal authority must be distinguished from practical political power.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Salmond\u2019s approach is more compatible with constitutional distribution of powers than Austin\u2019s strict monistic model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-difference-between-austin-and-salmond\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Difference_Between_Austin_and_Salmond\"><\/span>Difference Between Austin and Salmond<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Basis<\/th><th>Austin<\/th><th>Salmond<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Main approach<\/td><td>Command theory; monistic sovereignty<\/td><td>Legal analysis of authority and its scope<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sovereign power<\/td><td>Legally unlimited within his model<\/td><td>Scope of authority may be legally defined<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Legal limitations<\/td><td>Emphasises unlimited sovereign<\/td><td>Distinguishes limitation from subordination<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Federalism<\/td><td>Difficult to reconcile<\/td><td>Accommodates distributed legislative competence<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Main emphasis<\/td><td>Command, obedience, and sanction<\/td><td>Legal rules defining authority<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-sovereignty-and-the-indian-constitution\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sovereignty_and_the_Indian_Constitution\"><\/span>Sovereignty and the Indian Constitution<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">India is a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic. Sovereignty is exercised through a constitutional system based on popular authority, constitutional supremacy, and the rule of law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key features:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Popular sovereignty (\u201cWe, the People of India\u201d)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Constitutional supremacy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Federal distribution of powers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fundamental Rights as limitations on State power<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Judicial review<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Basic structure doctrine<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-article-12-and-the-concept-of-sovereignty-in-indian-constitutional-jurisprudence\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Article_12_and_the_Concept_of_Sovereignty_in_Indian_Constitutional_Jurisprudence\"><\/span>Article 12 and the Concept of Sovereignty in Indian Constitutional Jurisprudence<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Indian constitutional jurisprudence, the expression \u201cState\u201d under Article 12 extends well beyond the formal legislative and executive organs of the Union and the States. It encompasses any body or authority that functions as an \u201cinstrumentality or agency\u201d of the government, determined by the degree of deep and pervasive State control, financial dependence, or functional nexus with governmental purposes (R.D. Shetty v. International Airport Authority of India, 1979; Ajay Hasia v. Khalid Mujib Sehravardi, 1981). Even private bodies discharging public functions of a governmental character remain amenable to judicial review (Board of Control for Cricket in India v. Cricket Association of Bihar, 2015).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the question of sovereignty, the Supreme Court has held that legal sovereignty resides exclusively in the Constitution itself and not in the individual constituent States (State of West Bengal v. Union of India, 1963) or in Parliament. Ultimate political power flows from the principle of popular sovereignty (Indira Nehru Gandhi v. Raj Narain, 1975). The federal structure balances national unity with State autonomy (S.R. Bommai v. Union of India, 1994), while domestic constitutional law retains supremacy over international law in case of conflict (Jolly George Varghese v. Bank of Cochin, 1980).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-sovereignty-in-federalism-and-international-law\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sovereignty_in_Federalism_and_International_Law\"><\/span>Sovereignty in Federalism and International Law<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Federalism distributes governmental powers without dividing the international sovereignty of the State. Internationally, States are legally independent and equal, yet bound by applicable international law and treaty obligations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-sovereignty-in-the-age-of-globalisation\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sovereignty_in_the_Age_of_Globalisation\"><\/span>Sovereignty in the Age of Globalisation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Globalisation has intensified cooperation in trade, climate, health, technology, and security. While international agreements and global networks influence domestic policy, sovereignty has not disappeared. States continue to exercise independent governmental authority within the framework of their constitutional systems and international obligations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-difference-between-state-government-and-sovereignty\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Difference_Between_State_Government_and_Sovereignty\"><\/span>Difference Between State, Government, and Sovereignty<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>State<\/strong> \u2013 the permanent political and legal organisation (population, territory, government, sovereignty).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Government<\/strong> \u2013 the institutions that administer the State.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sovereignty<\/strong> \u2013 the supreme authority and independence of the State.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Governments change; the State and its sovereignty ordinarily continue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-importance-and-limitations-of-sovereignty\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Importance_and_Limitations_of_Sovereignty\"><\/span>Importance and Limitations of Sovereignty<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sovereignty enables law-making, public order, national security, and independent international relations. Absolute or unchecked sovereignty, however, can threaten individual liberty. Modern constitutional systems therefore subject sovereign power to constitutional limitations, democratic accountability, judicial review, and international obligations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-conclusion\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Classical theories (Bodin, Hobbes, Austin) emphasise supreme and concentrated authority, while Rousseau stresses popular sovereignty and pluralists highlight the role of social institutions. Salmond\u2019s analytical approach helpfully distinguishes legal limitation from subordination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the contemporary constitutional State, sovereignty does not mean unlimited power. It means independent authority to govern, exercised within a constitutional framework and subject to the rule of law, fundamental rights, and applicable international obligations. The enduring challenge is to balance effective State authority with individual liberty, democratic accountability, and constitutionalism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-related-links yoast-seo-related-links\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/foundation-of-tortious-liability-from-salmonds-narrow-theory-to-pollocks-wider-view\/\">Foundation of Tortious Liability: From Salmond\u2019s Narrow Theory to Pollock\u2019s Wider View<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/women-in-indian-media-and-popular-culture-representation-reality-and-resistance\/\">Women in Indian Media and Popular Culture: Representation, Reality, and Resistance<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/i-remove-me-ego-covenant-of-abandonment-and-waiver-of-the-individual-ego\/\">I Remove Me (Ego): Covenant of Abandonment and Waiver of the Individual Ego see<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/understanding-the-state-definition-essential-elements-and-kinds-of-states\/\">Understanding the State: Definition, Essential Elements, and Kinds of States<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-doctrine-of-digital-sovereignty-reclaiming-the-virtual-frontier\/\">The Doctrine of Digital Sovereignty: Reclaiming the Virtual Frontier<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction The State and sovereignty are foundational concepts in political science, constitutional law, and jurisprudence. The State is a politically organised community that exercises authority over a defined territory and population. Sovereignty denotes the supreme internal authority and external independence of the State. While sovereignty enables a State to make laws, maintain order, protect its<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":34333,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"two_page_speed":[],"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[4505],"tags":[5252,28],"class_list":["post-34315","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-jurisprudence","tag-jurisprudence","tag-top-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.6 (Yoast SEO v28.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The State and Sovereignty: Concepts, Theories and the Indian Constitutional Framework - Legal Service India - Articles<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Explore the meaning, types and theories of sovereignty, Austin and Salmond\u2019s views, and the role of sovereignty under the Indian Constitution.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-state-and-sovereignty-concepts-theories-and-the-indian-constitutional-framework\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The State and Sovereignty: Concepts, Theories and the Indian Constitutional Framework\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Explore the meaning, types and theories of sovereignty, Austin and Salmond\u2019s views, and the role of sovereignty under the Indian Constitution.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-state-and-sovereignty-concepts-theories-and-the-indian-constitutional-framework\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Legal Service India - Articles\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/legalservicesind\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-10-16T11:04:58+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-10-16T11:08:57+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/state-and-sovereignty.webp\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1536\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/webp\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Md. 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He served in Barrackpore Police Commissionerate, holding the positions of DCP (Special Branch) and DCP (Traffic) for over 4 years. He was posted in the districts of Dakshin Dinajpur and Nadia as Additional SP. At the sub-divisional level, he has worked as SDPOs of Gangarampur, Raghunathpur and Kalna sub-divisions of West Bengal. His tenure as Special IG and subsequently as IGP of Correctional Services, West Bengal, for over 4 years, saw him deeply engaged in improving the prison and correctional system. He visited numerous correctional homes across West Bengal, interacting with inmates, both male and female, including children residing with their incarcerated mothers. His outreach extended to correctional homes in Assam, Bihar, and Tripura. This hands-on approach provided him with invaluable insights into the workings of prisons and the complexities of the prisoner psyche. Beyond his operational roles, Md. Imran Wahab possesses a strong academic background, holding B.Sc., M.A., L.L.B., and M.B.A. degrees. He has also completed Post Graduate Diplomas in Human Rights, Project Management, Corporate Management, Computer Application, Public Administration, Medical Law, Disaster Management, Fire Safety &amp; Hazards Management and Psychology. He has attended Indian government sponsored specialized training in police and management matters in SVPNPA, Hyderabad, IIM, Ahmedabad and Singapore. He is the author of the books 'Police Investigation &amp; Allied Matters' and 'Alternative Dispute Resolution: Evolving Trends and Innovations' demonstrating his commitment to knowledge sharing within the law enforcement field. As an observer for the Election Commission of India, he has gained firsthand experience in conducting assembly elections and bye-elections in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Assam, Bihar, and Tripura (twice). This exposure has given him a deep understanding of election management and the Election Commission's operations. He has also served as Chairman and as a member of various recruitment boards for the selection of police personnel in Kolkata Police and West Bengal Police. Md. Imran Wahab's interests extend beyond law enforcement to include law, politics, international affairs, prison management, and business management. He has authored over 1000 articles on these diverse topics, reflecting his intellectual curiosity and desire to contribute to public discourse. He is also a research scholar in law and has contributed articles to the Indian Police Journal, National Crime Record Bureau Journal, SVP National Police Academy Journal, and International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research etc. Currently, he serves as IGP, Provisioning, West Bengal.\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/author\\\/md-imranwahab\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"The State and Sovereignty: Concepts, Theories and the Indian Constitutional Framework - Legal Service India - Articles","description":"Explore the meaning, types and theories of sovereignty, Austin and Salmond\u2019s views, and the role of sovereignty under the Indian Constitution.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-state-and-sovereignty-concepts-theories-and-the-indian-constitutional-framework\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"The State and Sovereignty: Concepts, Theories and the Indian Constitutional Framework","og_description":"Explore the meaning, types and theories of sovereignty, Austin and Salmond\u2019s views, and the role of sovereignty under the Indian Constitution.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/the-state-and-sovereignty-concepts-theories-and-the-indian-constitutional-framework\/","og_site_name":"Legal Service India - Articles","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/legalservicesind","article_published_time":"2026-10-16T11:04:58+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-10-16T11:08:57+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1536,"height":1024,"url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/state-and-sovereignty.webp","type":"image\/webp"}],"author":"Md. 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Imran Wahab","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/avatars\/49\/1777837060-bpfull.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/avatars\/49\/1777837060-bpfull.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/avatars\/49\/1777837060-bpfull.jpg","caption":"Md. Imran Wahab"},"description":"Md. Imran Wahab, a distinguished 2004-batch Indian Police Service officer, has dedicated over 32 years to public service, holding various senior managerial positions within the West Bengal Police force. His career has spanned diverse roles across different districts, including Kolkata Police, serving as DCP, 5th Battalion, Kolkata Armed Police and DCP (Port Division), for approximately 4 years. He served in Barrackpore Police Commissionerate, holding the positions of DCP (Special Branch) and DCP (Traffic) for over 4 years. He was posted in the districts of Dakshin Dinajpur and Nadia as Additional SP. At the sub-divisional level, he has worked as SDPOs of Gangarampur, Raghunathpur and Kalna sub-divisions of West Bengal. His tenure as Special IG and subsequently as IGP of Correctional Services, West Bengal, for over 4 years, saw him deeply engaged in improving the prison and correctional system. He visited numerous correctional homes across West Bengal, interacting with inmates, both male and female, including children residing with their incarcerated mothers. His outreach extended to correctional homes in Assam, Bihar, and Tripura. This hands-on approach provided him with invaluable insights into the workings of prisons and the complexities of the prisoner psyche. Beyond his operational roles, Md. Imran Wahab possesses a strong academic background, holding B.Sc., M.A., L.L.B., and M.B.A. degrees. He has also completed Post Graduate Diplomas in Human Rights, Project Management, Corporate Management, Computer Application, Public Administration, Medical Law, Disaster Management, Fire Safety &amp; Hazards Management and Psychology. He has attended Indian government sponsored specialized training in police and management matters in SVPNPA, Hyderabad, IIM, Ahmedabad and Singapore. He is the author of the books 'Police Investigation &amp; Allied Matters' and 'Alternative Dispute Resolution: Evolving Trends and Innovations' demonstrating his commitment to knowledge sharing within the law enforcement field. As an observer for the Election Commission of India, he has gained firsthand experience in conducting assembly elections and bye-elections in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Assam, Bihar, and Tripura (twice). This exposure has given him a deep understanding of election management and the Election Commission's operations. He has also served as Chairman and as a member of various recruitment boards for the selection of police personnel in Kolkata Police and West Bengal Police. Md. Imran Wahab's interests extend beyond law enforcement to include law, politics, international affairs, prison management, and business management. He has authored over 1000 articles on these diverse topics, reflecting his intellectual curiosity and desire to contribute to public discourse. He is also a research scholar in law and has contributed articles to the Indian Police Journal, National Crime Record Bureau Journal, SVP National Police Academy Journal, and International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research etc. Currently, he serves as IGP, Provisioning, West Bengal.","url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/author\/md-imranwahab\/"}]}},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/state-and-sovereignty.webp","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34315","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/49"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34315"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34315\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34334,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34315\/revisions\/34334"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/34333"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34315"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34315"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=34315"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}