Art. 73 Part V: The Union

Extent of Executive Power of the Union

Exact text — Constitution of India

(1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the executive power of the Union shall extend—(a) to the matters with respect to which Parliament has power to make laws; and (b) to the exercise of such rights, authority and jurisdiction as are exercisable by the Government of India by virtue of any treaty or agreement... (2) ... the executive power referred to in clause (1) shall not, save as expressly provided in this Constitution or in any law made by Parliament, extend in any State to matters with respect to which the Legislature of the State has also power to make laws.

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

This Article defines the general territorial and subject-matter scope of the Union's executive power — broadly matching Parliament's law-making power (extending to Union and, with some care, Concurrent List matters), while generally NOT extending into areas exclusively within a state's own legislative domain, absent specific constitutional or Parliamentary authorisation otherwise.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This Article sets the general boundary for how far the central government's administrative/executive authority reaches into what would otherwise be state territory and subject matter — maintaining the basic federal division even at the executive (not just legislative) level of government action.

Read alongside this one

Art. 246 — Union, State and Concurrent Lists

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 73

Does Union executive power automatically extend wherever Parliament can legislate?

Broadly yes, per clause (1)(a), though clause (2) adds an important qualification for matters ALSO within a state's own legislative competence (i.e., Concurrent List subjects), where Union executive action is more constrained absent specific authorisation.

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The text above reproduces Article 73 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.