Home The Constitution Part XI Article 257

Art. 257 Part XI: Relations Between the Union and the States

Control of the Union Over States in Certain Cases

Exact text — Constitution of India

(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... (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.

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

This Article gives the Union additional, specific direction-giving powers over states — beyond the general compliance obligation in Article 256 — covering situations where a state's actions might impede the Union's own executive functioning, plus specific direction powers over nationally/militarily important communications infrastructure and railway protection within the state.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This is why the Union retains specific direction-giving authority over things like national highways or railway security passing through a state, even though roads and general law-and-order are otherwise largely state subjects — a targeted carve-out for genuinely national infrastructure concerns.

Read alongside this one

Art. 256 — Obligation of States and the Union

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 257

Can the Union direct a state on railway security matters even though policing is normally a state subject?

Yes — clause (3) specifically empowers the Union to give states directions on railway protection measures, an exception to the general principle that policing is a state matter.

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The text above reproduces Article 257 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.