Part XVIII - Emergency • Article

Article 355 Simplified: Duty of the Union to protect States against external aggression and internal disturbance

Article 355 says that the Central Government (Union) is the 'Big Brother' of all states. It is the Union's official duty to protect any state if it is attacked by an enemy or if there is a big internal riot. It also says the Union must make sure that the state government follows the Constitution.

Official Text

It shall be the duty of the Union to protect every State against external aggression and internal disturbance and to ensure that the Government of every State is carried on in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.

Simple Meaning

Explain Like Ten

The Central Government has a big duty to protect all states from any attacks by other countries or from big riots inside, and must make sure they all follow the rules of the Constitution.

Student Mode

Imposes a double obligation on the Union: (1) to protect every State against external aggression and internal disturbance, and (2) to ensure that the government of every State is carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. This serves as the constitutional basis and justification for the Union's intervention under Articles 356 and 365.

Example

If a state faces massive riots that the local police cannot handle, the Center sends the CRPF or Army to restore peace, fulfilling its duty under Article 355.

Key Takeaway

The Central Government must protect every state from danger and chaos.

FAQs

What is the relation between Article 355 and Article 356?

Article 355 establishes the Union's duty to protect states and ensure constitutional governance. If a state government fails to carry on in accordance with the Constitution, Article 356 provides the executive mechanism (President's Rule) to fulfill that duty.

Can the Union deploy armed forces to a state under Article 355 without the state's consent?

Yes. Because Article 355 makes it the Union's absolute duty to protect states against external aggression and internal disturbance, the Central Government has the authority to deploy central forces to restore order.

Quiz

Article 355 declares it is the duty of the Union to protect States from:

Answer: External aggression and internal disturbance

Article 355 requires the Union to ensure that State Governments are carried on in accordance with:

Answer: The provisions of the Constitution