Home The Constitution Part XI Article 256

Art. 256 Part XI: Relations Between the Union and the States

Obligation of States and the Union

Exact text — Constitution of India

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.

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

This Article creates a direct constitutional obligation on every state's executive to ensure compliance with central laws applicable in that state, and gives the Union power to issue specific directions to a state to secure that compliance — a foundational piece of the administrative-relations framework connecting Union and State governments.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This Article is one of the key legal hooks (alongside Article 355) that can ultimately lead to Article 356's President's Rule if a state persistently fails to comply with a valid Union direction issued under this power.

Read alongside this one

Art. 365 — Effect of Failure to Comply With Union Directions Art. 356 — Failure of Constitutional Machinery in a State

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 256

What happens if a state government simply refuses to enforce a central law?

The Union can issue specific directions under this Article requiring compliance; persistent non-compliance can ultimately be treated, under Article 365, as evidence that the state's government 'cannot be carried on' constitutionally — the trigger condition for President's Rule.

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The text above reproduces Article 256 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.