Home The Constitution Part XI Article 250

Art. 250 Part XI: Relations Between the Union and the States

Power of Parliament to Legislate With Respect to Any Matter in the State List if a Proclamation of Emergency Is in Operation

Exact text — Constitution of India

(1) Notwithstanding anything in this Chapter, Parliament shall, while a Proclamation of Emergency is in operation, have power to make laws for the whole or any part of the territory of India with respect to any of the matters enumerated in the State List.

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

This Article automatically expands Parliament's law-making power to cover the ENTIRE State List during a National Emergency (declared under Article 352) — a much broader, blanket version of Article 249's more targeted, resolution-specific power, reflecting the more sweeping centralisation an actual National Emergency triggers.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This is part of the broader constitutional restructuring that happens during a National Emergency (alongside Article 353's executive-power expansion) — Parliament temporarily gains authority over the entire State List, not just a specific subject the Rajya Sabha has singled out.

Read alongside this one

Art. 352 — Proclamation of National Emergency Art. 249 — Parliament's Power in the National Interest

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 250

Does this power continue after the Emergency ends?

No — laws made under this Article's expanded power generally cease to have effect (to the extent of any incompetency) six months after the Emergency Proclamation ceases to operate, similar to the sunset built into Article 358.

← PreviousArticle 249: Power of Parliament to Legislate With Respect to a Matter in the State List in the National Interest Next →Article 251: Inconsistency Between Laws Made by Parliament Under Articles 249 and 250 and Laws Made by the Legislatures of States

The text above reproduces Article 250 of the Constitution of India as amended to date, for general educational reference. It is public-domain legislative text, but we recommend cross-checking the authoritative version at legislative.gov.in or india.gov.in before relying on it for a legal matter. The explanation, examples and FAQs are general information, not legal advice — consult a qualified advocate for guidance on your specific situation.