📜 Article 257 of the Indian Constitution
Title: Control of the Union over States in certain cases
Part XI – Relations Between the Union and the States
Chapter II – Administrative Relations
🔹 Text Summary of Article 257:
While States have the freedom to manage their own affairs, their executive power must not interfere with the executive power of the Union.
The Union Government can issue directions to States for:
Protecting Union's executive authority
Communication facilities and transportation infrastructure deemed of national importance
🧠 Key Features of Article 257:
| 🔍 Aspect | ✅ Details |
|---|---|
| 🏛️ Applies To | All State Governments |
| 📜 Main Condition | State must not impede or prejudice Union executive power |
| 🛠️ Union’s Power | Can issue directions to states to avoid such interference |
| 🚊 Special Provision | Union can direct States on construction and maintenance of railways, highways, waterways, telegraphs, etc. |
| 💰 Compensation Clause | If States incur extra costs, Parliament may compensate them |
| ⚖️ Enforcement | Union has administrative control, not legislative override here |
🧪 Example Scenarios:
| 🧾 Scenario | ⚖️ Effect under Article 257 |
|---|---|
| A State takes action that affects operation of a national highway | Union can direct the State to change or stop it |
| A State interferes with Union's foreign policy implementation | Union can intervene to protect its executive function |
| State builds structure disrupting telecommunication lines | Union may issue direction and seek compliance |
🔁 Linked Articles:
| Article | Subject |
|---|---|
| 256 | States must implement Parliamentary laws |
| 257(2) | Specific to communication and transport infrastructure |
| 365 | If State fails to comply with Union direction → may lead to President’s Rule |
🧠 In Simple Words:
Article 257 ensures that States do not interfere with the Union government’s functioning and gives the Centre authority to direct states in such cases — especially in areas like transport, communication, and defense infrastructure.
Here is a 📊 Comparison Chart of Articles 256, 257, and 365 of the Indian Constitution — focusing on how the Union controls and guides the States in administrative matters:
⚖️ Chart: Article 256 vs Article 257 vs Article 365
| 🔢 Article | 📘 Title | 🧭 Purpose | 🛠️ Union Power Over States | 🚨 What If State Disobeys? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 256 | Obligation of States and the Union | Ensure that States implement laws made by Parliament | Union can give directions for proper enforcement | No direct punishment, but non-compliance may lead to Article 365 |
| 257 | Control of the Union over States in certain cases | Prevent States from interfering with Union executive power | Union can issue directions on key infrastructure (rail, telegraph, etc.) | State must comply; failure may lead to Article 365 consequences |
| 365 | Effect of failure to comply with Union directions | Penal provision if State fails to comply with directions under Article 256 or 257 | Allows Centre to declare that a constitutional failure has occurred | Enables President’s Rule under Article 356 |
🧠 Simplified View
| ⚙️ Aspect | Article 256 | Article 257 | Article 365 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏛️ Applies To | All States | All States | All States |
| 🧾 Type of Direction | Implementation of Union laws | Prevent harm to Union executive powers | Reaction to disobedience |
| 🚊 Infrastructure Focus | ❌ | ✅ (railways, highways, telecom, etc.) | ❌ |
| 💰 Cost Compensation? | ❌ | ✅ Parliament may compensate for extra cost | ❌ |
| 🚨 If Disobeyed | No direct penalty in this Article | May lead to consequences under Art. 365 | May result in President's Rule (Art. 356) |
🧠 In Short:
-
Art. 256 → States must implement Union laws
-
Art. 257 → States must not interfere in Union operations
-
Art. 365 → President’s Rule if States fail to obey directions
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