Article 257A Simplified: Assistance to States by deployment of armed forces or other forces of the Union

Official Text

Omitted by the Constitution (Forty-fourth Amendment)Act,1978, s. 33 (w.e.f.20-6-1979).]

Simple Meaning

Article 257A was a controversial provision added in 1976 that allowed the central government to deploy military or police forces in any state to deal with grave law and order situations, even if the state government did not request or agree to it. It was officially omitted (repealed) in 1978 to protect federalism and state autonomy.

Explain Like Ten

This was a rule that let the central government send soldiers into any state even if the state leaders said 'No thank you.' Because this could violate states' self-rules, it was deleted.

Student Mode

Inserted by the 42nd Amendment Act (1976). It empowered the Centre to deploy armed forces or other Union forces in any State to handle a grave law and order situation, bypassing state requisition. Repealed by the 44th Amendment Act (1978) to restore state executive authority.

Example

Under Article 257A, if a state had a local strike or unrest, the Centre could send in the army unilaterally and take control of local police. Fearing this could be used to suppress state governments, it was deleted.

Key Takeaway

The repeal of Article 257A reinforced the federal principle that law and order is primarily a State subject.

FAQs

What power did Article 257A grant the Central government?

It allowed the Centre to deploy armed forces in a state unilaterally to manage public order, without the state's consent.

Which amendment repealed Article 257A?

The 44th Constitutional Amendment Act (1978) repealed Article 257A to safeguard state rights.

Quiz

Which amendment inserted Article 257A during the Emergency?

Answer: 42nd Amendment

Which amendment repealed Article 257A?

Answer: 44th Amendment

Related Topics

• Article 256
• Article 258