India, Feb. 20 -- Federalism and separation of powers are among the most important tenets of India's constitutional framework. A sound fiscal state, while a later addition to the statute, is the bulwark without which the nation's well-being will be threatened. Each of the three is indispensable for the country's stability and long-term well-being. However, these first principles do not guarantee that the three will not be in conflict with each other. In fact, we have entered an age where this conflict is becoming the norm rather than the exception.

The Supreme Court's outburst on Thursday - observations rather than a decree - against the so-called "freebie" culture in the country, while hearing a case filed by the Tamil Nadu government d...