Home The Constitution Part XI Article 259

Art. 259 Part XI: Relations Between the Union and the States

(Repealed) Armed Forces in Part B States

Exact text — Constitution of India

[This Article, which originally addressed the status of armed forces stationed in the former 'Part B States' (a category of states formed from erstwhile princely states under the Constitution's original classification), became irrelevant once that classification was abolished by the 7th Amendment, 1956, and was repealed at that time.]

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

This Article addressed a specific transitional military-administrative question relevant only to the 'Part B States' — a now-obsolete category from the Constitution's original 1950 state classification scheme (which distinguished Part A, B, C and D states based on their pre-independence status). Once the 7th Amendment abolished this classification entirely in favour of the simpler system still used today, this Article had nothing left to operate on.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This is now purely a historical footnote reflecting the Constitution's original, more complex state-classification system that was substantially simplified by the 1956 States Reorganisation reforms.

Read alongside this one

Art. 3 — Formation of New States

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 259

What were 'Part B States'?

Under the Constitution's original classification, Part B States were former princely states or unions of princely states (unlike Part A States, which were former British Indian provinces) — a distinction eliminated by the 7th Amendment's 1956 reorganisation, which replaced this classification with the state/UT system still used today.

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The text above reproduces Article 259 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.