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Part XI

Article 256

Obligation of States and the Union

The executive power of every State shall be so exercised as to ensure compliance with the laws made by Parliament and any existing laws which apply in that State, and the executive power of the Union shall extend to the giving of such directions to a State as may appear to the Government of India to be necessary for that purpose.

VERSION 1

Article 233, Draft Constitution of India (1948)

The executive power of every State shall be so exercised as to ensure compliance with the laws made by Parliament and any existing laws which apply in that State and the executive power of the Union shall extend to the giving of such directions to a State as may appear to the Government of India to be necessary for this purpose.

VERSION 2

Article 256, Constitution of India, 1950

The executive power of every State shall be so exercised as to ensure compliance with the laws made by Parliament and any existing laws which apply in that State, and the executive power of the Union shall extend to the giving of such directions to a State as may appear to the Government of India to be necessary for that purpose.

SUMMARY

Draft Article 233 (Article 256) was discussed on 13 June 1949. The Draft Article required the State executive to ensure that all Union laws that apply to them are followed. The Union executive can give necessary directions to State executive to make sure they implement such laws.

There was no debate on the Draft Article and it was adopted on the same day.