What is Article 257 of Indian Constitution – Defination & Meaning

Article 257: Control of the Union over States in certain cases (1) The executive power of every State shall be so exercised as not to impede or prejudice the
📅 Part XI – Relations Between the Union and the States
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Article Number

257

part

Part XI – Relations Between the Union and the States

Status

Active

Bare Acts Text

Article 257: Control of the Union over States in certain cases

  • (1) The executive power of every State shall be so exercised as not to impede or prejudice the exercise of the executive power of the Union, 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.
  • (2) The executive power of the Union shall also extend to the giving of directions to a State as to the construction and maintenance of means of communication declared in the direction to be of national or military importance:
  • Provided that nothing in this clause shall be taken as restricting the power of Parliament to declare highways or waterways to be national highways or national waterways or the power of the Union with respect to the highways or waterways so declared or the power of the Union to construct and maintain means of communication as part of its functions with respect to naval, military and air force works.
  • (3) The executive power of the Union shall also extend to the giving of directions to a State as to the measures to be taken for the protection of the railways within the State.
  • (4) Where in carrying out any direction given to a State under clause (2) as to the construction or maintenance of any means of communication or under clause (3) as to the measures to be taken for the protection of any railway, costs have been incurred in excess of those which would have been incurred in the discharge of the normal duties of the State if such direction had not been given, there shall be paid by the Government of India to the State such sum as may be agreed, or, in default of agreement, as may be determined by an arbitrator appointed by the Chief Justice of India, in respect of the extra costs so incurred by the State.
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Full Definition & Explanation

Article 257 of the Indian Constitution is all about the relationship between the Union government and the State governments. It ensures that the executive power exercised by each State does not hinder the Union’s ability to govern effectively. This means that if the Union government feels it is necessary, it can direct States to take specific actions that support national interests, particularly in areas like transportation and military infrastructure. For example, if the Union decides that a certain highway needs to be built for national security, it can instruct the State to prioritize that project. This provision helps maintain a coordinated approach in critical areas where both State and Union powers intersect. The article also includes specific provisions regarding the construction and maintenance of communication channels deemed key for national or military purposes. Such directives ensure that necessary infrastructure is developed and maintained consistently across States. The Union government can also direct States to take special measures to protect railways within their territory. This is major as railways are key for both civilian and military logistics. The Union’s authority to intervene ensures that States do not neglect these responsibilities, which could lead to broader implications for national security or economic stability. Additionally, Article 257 addresses the financial implications of following such directives. If a State incurs additional costs due to directions from the Union, the government of India is responsible for reimbursing these extra costs. This provision helps protect the financial interests of States, ensuring that they are not left bearing the burden of additional expenditures caused by Union directives. Overall, Article 257 plays a key role in balancing power between the Union and States while ensuring that national interests are met without undue financial strain on States.

Historical Context

It ensures that the executive power exercised by each State does not hinder the Union’s ability to govern effectively. This means that if the Union government feels it is necessary, it can direct States to take specific actions that support national interests, particularly in areas like transportation and military infrastructure. For example, if the Union decides that a certain highway needs to be built for national security, it can instruct the State to prioritize that project. This provision helps maintain a coordinated approach in critical areas where both State and Union powers intersect.

Key Features

– Article 257 allows Union directions to States in specific situations.
– States must exercise their powers without hindering Union executive powers.
– The Union can direct States on communication infrastructure of national importance.
– The Union covers extra costs incurred by States due to its directives.
– It aims to ensure a cooperative federal relationship between Union and States.

Importance & Impact

– Ensures States align with national interests during governance actions
– Facilitates timely construction of necessary infrastructure across States
– Protects railways and communication channels critical for security
– Promotes financial fairness for States following Union directives
– Encourages collaboration between State and Union governments

Sample UPSC Question

Which of the following statements about Article 257 of the Indian Constitution is correct? A. It restricts Union control over State powers. B. It allows Union to direct States on national projects. C. States have absolute power without Union interference. D. It was added by the 73rd Amendment Act. Choose the correct answer.? Analyze these options carefully in light of the constitutional distribution of legislative and executive powers.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer

The correct answer is B. Article 257 enables the Union government to direct States in matters of national importance. This supports coordinated governance and ensures that States contribute to national objectives. Article 257 of the Indian Constitution is all about the relationship between the Union government and the State governments.

Key Takeaways

✓ Article 257 ensures Union influence over State actions.
✓ States must align their powers with national directives.
✓ Union can direct key infrastructure development
✓ Extra costs for States are reimbursed by the Union.
✓ Promotes cooperation between State and Union governments

FAQs

Article 257 of the Indian Constitution is all about the relationship between the Union government and the State governments. It ensures that the executive power exercised by each State does not hinder the Union’s ability to govern effectively. This means that if the Union government feels it is necessary, it can direct States to take specific actions that support national interests, particularly in areas like transportation and military infrastructure.

The Union government can also direct States to take special measures to protect railways within their territory. This is major as railways are key for both civilian and military logistics. The Union’s authority to intervene ensures that States do not neglect these responsibilities, which could lead to broader implications for national security or economic stability.

If a State incurs additional costs due to directions from the Union, the government of India is responsible for reimbursing these extra costs. This provision helps protect the financial interests of States, ensuring that they are not left bearing the burden of additional expenditures caused by Union directives. Overall, Article 257 plays a key role in balancing power between the Union and States while ensuring that national interests are met without undue financial strain on States.

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