Article 355

Important articles for CCE

A petition in the Supreme Court seeks invocation of Article 355 in West Bengal to deploy central forces due to violence in Murshidabad.

About Article 355:

Text: Duty of the Union to protect every State against external aggression and internal disturbance and ensure governance according to the Constitution.

Key Points:

Part of Emergency Provisions:

Located in Part XVIII of the Constitution (Articles 352-360).

Union’s Obligations:

Protect States from external and internal threats.

Ensure constitutional governance in States.

Scope and Application:

Not an Independent Power:

Does not allow direct Union intervention by itself.

Forms the basis for invoking:

Article 356 (President’s Rule)

Article 352 (National Emergency)

Purpose:

Justifies Centre’s action during extreme cases like breakdown of law and order or constitutional machinery.