Part XI - Union-State Relations • Article

Article 253 Simplified: Legislation for giving effect to international agreements

Article 253 grants Parliament exclusive power to make laws on any subject (even those in the State List) to implement international treaties, agreements, conventions, or decisions made at international conferences.

Official Text

Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing provisions of this Chapter, Parliament has power to make any law for the whole or any part of the territory of India for implementing any treaty, agreement or convention with any other country or countries or any decision made at any international conference, association or other body.

Simple Meaning

Explain Like Ten

If India signs a big global treaty (like protecting the environment or wildlife), the central government can make rules to follow that treaty, even if the rules cover state subjects like forests or health.

Student Mode

Article 253 empowers Parliament to enact laws for the entire territory of India to implement international treaties, agreements, or conventions. This power is absolute and overrides the federal division of powers, allowing Parliament to legislate on State List subjects (e.g., Environment Protection Act, 1986, passed to implement Stockholm Conference decisions) without state consent.

Example

To implement decisions made at the UN Conference on the Human Environment (Stockholm, 1972), Parliament passed the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, which apply nationwide despite environment-related items heavily crossing state subjects.

Key Takeaway

Article 253 ensures that India can fulfill its international treaty obligations uniformly across all states without being restricted by the division of legislative powers.

FAQs

Can Parliament legislate on a State List subject like public health under Article 253?

Yes, if it is necessary to implement a treaty or international decision that India has agreed to.

What landmark environmental law was enacted under Article 253?

The Environment Protection Act, 1986 was enacted under Article 253 to implement decisions of the 1972 UN Stockholm Conference on Human Environment.

Quiz

Which article allows Parliament to legislate on State subjects to fulfill international treaty obligations?

Answer: Article 253

The Environment Protection Act, 1986 was enacted under Article 253 to implement decisions from which conference?

Answer: Stockholm Conference (1972)