Actual Article
Article 256: Obligation of States and the Union
The executive power of every State shall be so exercised as to ensure compliance with the laws made by Parliament and any existing laws which apply in that State, and the executive power of the Union shall extend to the giving of such directions to a State as may appear to the Government of India to be necessary for that purpose.
UPSC Notes for Article 256
Explanation:
- State Compliance with Central Laws: Article 256 mandates that the executive power of every State must be exercised in a manner that ensures compliance with laws made by Parliament and other applicable laws. This ensures that state actions do not contravene central legislation.
- Union’s Directive Power: The Union government has the authority to give directions to State governments to ensure compliance with central laws. This provision allows the central government to enforce uniformity and adherence to national laws across all states.
Key Points:
- Federal Coordination: Article 256 is designed to ensure coordination between the Union and State governments, promoting the implementation of national laws at the state level.
- Enforcement of Central Laws: The article empowers the central government to issue directives to states, ensuring that central legislation is effectively implemented and adhered to across the country.
- Balance of Power: While states retain their executive powers, Article 256 provides a mechanism for the central government to intervene when necessary to ensure compliance with national laws.
Important Cases and Commissions Related to Article 256
Cases:
- State of Rajasthan vs. Union of India (1977): The Supreme Court upheld the central government’s authority to issue directions to state governments under Article 256, emphasizing the necessity of ensuring compliance with central laws.
Commissions:
- Sarkaria Commission: Examined the relations between the Union and the States, including the use of Article 256 to ensure compliance with central laws, and recommended measures to promote cooperative federalism.
- Punchhi Commission: Further explored the dynamics of Union-State relations and suggested mechanisms to enhance the effectiveness of directives issued under Article 256.
Important Reports Related to Article 256:
- Administrative Reforms Commission: Analyzed the enforcement of central laws by state governments and recommended strategies for effective compliance and cooperation.
Previous Year Prelims Questions Related to Article 256
- (UPSC Prelims 2016) What does Article 256 of the Indian Constitution deal with?
- A. The powers of the President
- B. The obligation of states to comply with central laws
- C. The appointment of the Chief Justice
- D. The financial relations between the Union and the States Correct Answer: B. The obligation of states to comply with central laws
- (UPSC Prelims 2018) Under Article 256, who has the power to give directions to a State for compliance with central laws?
- A. The President of India
- B. The Chief Minister of the State
- C. The Prime Minister
- D. The Government of India Correct Answer: D. The Government of India
Previous Year Mains Questions Related to Article 256
- Mains 2016: “Discuss the significance of Article 256 in maintaining the compliance of State governments with central laws. How does it contribute to federal coordination?”
- Mains 2019: “Evaluate the role of Article 256 in ensuring the implementation of central laws at the state level. What are the implications of this provision for Union-State relations?”
Additional Insights:
- Ensuring Uniformity: Article 256 ensures that laws made by Parliament are uniformly implemented across all states, promoting a cohesive legal framework throughout the country.
- Mechanism for Compliance: The provision serves as a mechanism for the central government to enforce compliance and address any discrepancies in the implementation of central laws by state governments.
Understanding Article 256 is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it provides insights into the obligations of state governments to comply with central laws and the role of the central government in ensuring such compliance. This knowledge is essential for both preliminary and main examinations, offering a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms that maintain the balance of power and cooperation between the Union and the States within the Indian federal structure.