UPSC Prelims 2003 Q48: Indian Polity – Emergency Provisions
Which one of the following Articles of the Indian Constitution provides that ‘It shall be the
duty of the Union to protect every State against external aggression and internal disturbance’?
- (a) Article 215
- (b) Article 275
- (c) Article 325
- (d) Article 355
Answer: (d) Article 355
Explanation
Duty of the Union to protect the States
| Article | Subject |
|---|---|
| Article 355 | Duty of the Union to protect States against external aggression and internal disturbance |
| Article 215 | High Courts as courts of record |
| Article 275 | Grants-in-aid |
| Article 325 | No exclusion from the electoral roll |
Article 355 puts a duty on the Union to protect every State against external aggression and internal disturbance.
Answer: (d) Article 355.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Article 215 is about High Courts as courts of record.
- (b) Incorrect. Article 275 is about grants-in-aid.
- (c) Incorrect. Article 325 is about the electoral roll.
- (d) CORRECT. Article 355 states this duty.
Key point
Emergency articles: 352 national, 355 duty to protect, 356 State rule, 360 financial.
Remember
Article 355 makes it the Union's duty to protect States.
Common mistakes
- Mixing Article 355 with Article 356.
- Choosing Article 352 for external aggression.
- Forgetting that Article 355 is the basis for Article 356.
Exam tip
Article 355 is the Union's duty; Article 356 is President's rule.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Part XVIII
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity (Emergency Provisions)