Article 355 of the Indian Constitution

Article 355 empowers the central government to take all necessary steps to protect a state against internal disturbances and external aggression. Read more about Article 355 of the Indian Constitution, Definition, Purpose, Latest News

What is Article 355 of the Indian Constitution?

Article 355 Latest News

The Supreme Court recently appeared surprised over a petition seeking the invocation of Article 355 in West Bengal, citing violence in Murshidabad district during protests against the Waqf Amendment Act.

About Article 355

  • It is a part of emergency provisions contained in Part XVIII of the Constitution of India, from Article 352 to 360.
  • It empowers the central government to take all necessary steps to protect a state against internal disturbances and external aggression.
  • It empowers the Centre to take necessary steps to protect a state from any kind of threat, be it internal or external. 
  • It allows the Centre to take charge of a state’s law and order enforcement without dismissing the government, and is considered a step below the President’s rule, which gives full control to the President.
  •  The provision is designed to ensure that the government can act swiftly and decisively in the event of any disturbance or threat to the peace and security of the country.
  • Exact definition:
    • The exact definition of Article 355 in the Constitution of India is, “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.”

SourceHT

Latest UPSC Exam 2025 Updates

Last updated on November, 2025

→ Check out the latest UPSC Syllabus 2026 here.

→ Join Vajiram & Ravi’s Interview Guidance Programme for expert help to crack your final UPSC stage.

UPSC Mains Result 2025 is now out.

UPSC Notification 2026 is scheduled to be released on January 14, 2026.

UPSC Calendar 2026 is released on 15th May, 2025.

→ The UPSC Vacancy 2025 were released 1129, out of which 979 were for UPSC CSE and remaining 150 are for UPSC IFoS.

UPSC Prelims 2026 will be conducted on 24th May, 2026 & UPSC Mains 2026 will be conducted on 21st August 2026.

→ The UPSC Selection Process is of 3 stages-Prelims, Mains and Interview.

UPSC Result 2024 is released with latest UPSC Marksheet 2024. Check Now!

UPSC Prelims Result 2025 is out now for the CSE held on 25 May 2025.

UPSC Toppers List 2024 is released now. Shakti Dubey is UPSC AIR 1 2024 Topper.

UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2025 and Unofficial Prelims Answer Key 2025  are available now.

UPSC Mains Question Paper 2025 is out for Essay, GS 1, 2, 3 & GS 4.

UPSC Mains Indian Language Question Paper 2025 is now out.

UPSC Mains Optional Question Paper 2025 is now out.

→ Also check Best IAS Coaching in Delhi

Article 355 FAQs

Q1. Article 355 of the Indian Constitution is part of which section?+

Q2. What is the primary purpose of Article 355?+

Q3. Which part of the Indian Constitution contains the emergency provisions, including Article 355?+

Tags: article 355 of the indian constitution prelims pointers

Vajiram Content Team
Vajiram Content Team
UPSC GS Course 2026
UPSC GS Course 2026
₹1,75,000
Enroll Now
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
₹2,45,000
Enroll Now
UPSC Mentorship Program
UPSC Mentorship Program
₹65000
Enroll Now
UPSC Sureshot Mains Test Series
UPSC Sureshot Mains Test Series
₹25000
Enroll Now
Prelims Powerup Test Series
Prelims Powerup Test Series
₹13000
Enroll Now
Enquire Now