📜 Article 256 of the Indian Constitution
Title: Obligation of States and the Union
Part XI – Relations Between the Union and the States
Chapter II – Administrative Relations
🔹 Text Summary of Article 256:
Every State must ensure that its executive power is exercised in such a way that it complies with the laws made by Parliament.
The Union government can give directions to the State to ensure this compliance.
🧠 Key Features of Article 256:
| 🔍 Feature | ✅ Details |
|---|---|
| 📜 Purpose | To ensure uniform implementation of Union laws throughout India |
| 🏛️ Binding on | All State governments |
| ⚖️ Union’s Power | Can issue directions to States to implement Parliamentary laws |
| 🤝 Nature of Federalism | Reflects “cooperative federalism” but also shows unitary tilt |
| 🚫 No penalty clause | Article 256 does not specify consequences for non-compliance (but leads to Art. 365) |
| 🔄 Linked Articles | Article 365 – consequences if State fails to follow directions under Article 256 |
🧪 Example Scenarios:
| 🧾 Scenario | ⚖️ Effect under Article 256 |
|---|---|
| Parliament enacts a central environmental law; a State is not enforcing it properly | Union can direct the State to enforce it |
| A national education law needs uniform application in all States | Article 256 enables the Centre to guide implementation |
| State refuses to follow a Union law | May lead to action under Article 365 (possible President’s Rule) |
⚖️ Judicial Interpretation:
The Supreme Court has upheld that States are bound by Article 256 to ensure enforcement of Union laws.
It emphasizes cooperation, not confrontation.
🔁 Related Articles:
| Article | Topic |
|---|---|
| 257 | Union control over States in certain cases |
| 365 | Consequences of failure to comply with Union directions |
| 245–254 | Legislative relations between Union and States |
🧠 In Simple Words:
Article 256 ensures that States must follow and enforce Central laws, and if needed, the Union government can direct them to do so.
Here is a 📊 Comparison Chart of Articles 256, 257, and 365 of the Indian Constitution — all related to the relationship between Union and State governments in terms of administrative powers and compliance:
⚖️ Chart: Article 256 vs 257 vs 365
| 🔢 Article | 📘 Title | 🏛️ Focus | ⚖️ Union Power | 🚨 Effect of Non-compliance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Article 256 | Obligation of States and the Union | State must comply with Parliamentary laws | Union can give directions to States | ❌ No direct penalty in this article |
| Article 257 | Control of the Union over States in certain cases | State must not interfere with Union’s executive powers | Union can intervene to protect Union’s interest | May lead to costs or Union intervention |
| Article 365 | Failure to comply with Union directions | State failure to follow Union directions | Enables Union to declare constitutional failure | ✅ May lead to President’s Rule (Art. 356) |
🧠 Detailed Comparison
| 🔍 Feature | 🟥 Article 256 | 🟦 Article 257 | 🟩 Article 365 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎯 Purpose | Ensure state enforcement of Union laws | Prevent state actions affecting Union executive power | Penalize non-compliance with Union directions |
| 📜 Nature | Administrative obligation | Control mechanism for interstate/inter-governmental matters | Punitive article (linked to Art. 356) |
| 🧾 Type of Direction | Related to implementation of laws | Related to Union’s interest & communication | Direction under Article 256 or 257 |
| 🧪 Example | Direct state to implement central education law | Stop state from obstructing national highway use | President’s Rule in case of state defiance |
| 🚨 Enforcement Clause | ❌ No | ⚠️ Union may recover costs | ✅ Enables Art. 356 (President’s Rule) |
🧠 In Simple Words:
-
Article 256: Tells states — "You must follow Union laws."
-
Article 257: Tells states — "Don’t interfere with Union functions."
-
Article 365: Warns states — "If you disobey Union directions, President’s Rule may apply."
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