The Andhra Pradesh and Mysore (Transfer of Territory) Act, 1968 is a significant piece of legislation enacted by the Indian Parliament to facilitate the transfer of a specific territory from the State of Mysore (now Karnataka) to the State of Andhra Pradesh (now divided into Andhra Pradesh and Telangana). This Act reflects the broader context of India's post-independence reorganization of states, which aimed to align administrative boundaries with linguistic and cultural identities while addressing regional disparities.
The reorganization of Indian states in the 1950s and 1960s was largely driven by linguistic and administrative considerations. The States Reorganisation Act of 1956 was a landmark in this process, creating states based on language. However, boundary disputes and territorial adjustments continued to arise due to historical, geographical, and administrative reasons. The 1968 Act was one such adjustment, addressing the transfer of a small but specific territory—survey number 19 of Abakavaripalli village in Bagepalli taluk, Kolar district (Mysore State)—to Andhra Pradesh's Hindupur taluk in Anantapur district. This transfer was likely motivated by local administrative efficiency, cultural ties, or resource management, though the exact reasons are not detailed in the Act.
The Act exemplifies India's flexible federal structure, allowing territorial adjustments to address local needs while maintaining constitutional integrity. Though the transferred area was small, the Act ensured seamless administrative, legal, and financial transitions. It also highlights the collaborative nature of inter-state relations, where disputes could be resolved through parliamentary legislation rather than prolonged conflicts.
The 1968 Transfer of Territory Act was a pragmatic solution to a specific boundary issue, reflecting India's commitment to orderly governance and regional harmony. By addressing electoral, judicial, and administrative implications comprehensively, it set a precedent for future territorial adjustments, underscoring the importance of legal clarity and cooperative federalism in India's democratic framework.