What is article 355?
Asked by: Wallace Russel | Last update: May 31, 2026Score: 5/5 (12 votes)
Article 355 of the Indian Constitution places a duty on the Union (Central Government) to protect every state from external aggression and internal disturbance, and to ensure the state's government functions according to the Constitution, often serving as a precursor to invoking President's Rule (Article 356) when constitutional machinery fails. It empowers the Centre to intervene in state affairs to maintain order and constitutional governance when a state cannot or does not do so.
What does Article 355 of the Constitution say?
Duty of the Union to protect States against external aggression and internal disturbance.
What is the difference between Article 355 and 356?
Article 355: Obligation of the Union to safeguard states from external aggression and internal disturbances. Article 356: It allows the President to take over the functions of the state government when the constitutional machinery fails.
Under what circumstances can Article 355 be invoked?
While most emergency provisions empower the Union to take extraordinary measures during crises, Article 355 is distinct—it imposes a duty rather than a power. The article does not directly authorise intervention; instead, it obligates the Union to act when a State's security or constitutional governance is threatened.
What is the Article 335 of the Constitution?
Article 335 "The claims of the members of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes shall be taken into consideration, consistently with the maintenane of efficiency of administration, in the making of appointments to services and posts in connection with • the affairs of the Union or of a State."
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What is the purpose of Article 335?
Article 335 mentions that the claims of the members of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes shall be taken into consideration, consistently with the maintenance of efficiency of administration, in the making to appointments to services and posts in connection with the affairs of the Union or of a State”.
Why is part 7 removed?
Part VII of the Indian Constitution was repealed by the Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956, because it dealt with "Part B States" (former princely states) that became redundant after the major States Reorganisation created a more uniform structure of only States and Union Territories, making the separate classification of Part B States obsolete.
How does Article 355 impact Fundamental Rights?
STATE EMERGENCY AMD FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS
Article 355 imposes on the Central Government the obligation of protecting a state against external attack, internal instability, and ensuring that the terms of the Constitutions are followed.
What are some examples of states where Article 355 was invoked?
Manipur is the state where it has been invoked the most frequently, currently under the rule since February 2025 for the eleventh time. The President's rule in force in Manipur since February was extended for a further six month with effect from 13 August 2025.
What is the role of the President in Article 355?
About Article 355
It allows the Centre to take charge of a state's law and order enforcement without dismissing the government, and is considered a step below the President's rule, which gives full control to the President.
Can President's Rule be challenged?
Courts may strike down executive orders not only on the grounds that the president lacked authority to issue them but also in cases where the order is found to be unconstitutional in substance.
What powers does the Union government have under Article 355?
Article 355 reads: 'It shall be the duty of the union to protect every state against external aggression and internal disturbance and to ensure that the government of every state is carried on in accordance with the provisions of this constitution'.
How to revoke an emergency?
The President can revoke the emergency anytime via another proclamation. The emergency automatically ceases after 6 months unless extended.
What is the only crime mentioned in the Constitution?
Treason is the only crime defined in the Constitution of the United States. It is the act of waging war against the United States or materially aiding its enemies.
What is libel under Article 355?
Definition of libel. - A libel is public and malicious imputation of a crime, or of a vice or defect, real or imaginary, or any act, omission, condition, status, or circumstance tending to cause the dishonor, discredit, or contempt of a natural or juridical person, or to blacken the memory of one who is dead. Art. 355.
How does Article 355 impact State autonomy?
It imposes a duty upon the Union to protect states from external and internal threats and to ensure their governance adheres to the Constitution. It is embedded within the constitutional framework to uphold federal integrity and reinforces cooperative federalism by balancing state autonomy and central intervention.
Who has the final authority on constitutional matters in the US?
After the Amendment's passage, the Supreme Court began ruling that most of its provisions were applicable to the states as well. Therefore, the Court has the final say over when a right is protected by the Constitution or when a Constitutional right is violated.
How does article 335 promote equality?
It ensures that the claims of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) are duly considered in appointments to services and posts under the Union and State governments, while at the same time emphasising that the efficiency of administration must not be compromised.
Which of the following is the only crime specifically mentioned in the US Constitution?
Treason is a unique offense in our constitutional order—the only crime expressly defined by the Constitution, and applying only to Americans who have betrayed the allegiance they are presumed to owe the United States.
Which fundamental rights cannot be suspended?
The only two fundamental rights that cannot be rescinded are articles 20 and 21. Article 20: This Article prohibits self-incrimination. Article 21: This Article guards an individual's right to life and personal liberty.
What are the 6 fundamental principles of the US Constitution?
The Six Big Ideas are:
- limited government.
- republicanism.
- checks and balances.
- federalism.
- separation of powers.
- popular sovereignty.
What are the safeguards against misuse of Article 355?
Article 355 cannot be used arbitrarily to dismiss a state government. Internal disturbance must be genuine and substantial. Judicial review is allowed for actions under Article 356. Significance: Landmark case in curbing the misuse of Article 355 + 356 combination.
What does the 7th Amendment state?
“In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.”
What is article number 7?
Article 7 of Indian Constitution deals with the complex migration issues that followed Partition . It aims to set clear criteria for determining who retains Indian citizenship . Key Provisions: No Citizenship: Post-March 1 migrants to Pakistan are not Indian citizens.
What is the 7th Constitutional Amendment?
7th Constitutional Amendment Act reorganized Indian states on linguistic lines, created 14 states & 6 UTs, and clarified key constitutional provisions. The 7th Constitutional Amendment Act was introduced to re-organise the states systematically, replacing the earlier boundaries.