Articles 205 to 255 of the Indian Constitution – The Structure of the Union Government


Articles 205 to 255 of the Indian Constitution – The Structure of the Union Government

The Indian Constitution is not merely a legal framework; it is the very foundation of India’s democratic and federal structure. Articles 205 to 255 form a crucial segment, dealing with the functioning of the Union and the States, particularly in financial governance, legislative relations, and inter-governmental coordination. These provisions ensure that the wheels of the Indian federal system run smoothly, balancing the powers and responsibilities between the Union and the States.

Articles 205 to 207 – Financial Procedures in States

  • Article 205 – Supplementary, Additional, Excess, and Exceptional Grants
    This article provides for additional budgetary allocations when the existing grants for a financial year prove insufficient or when unforeseen expenditures arise. Such demands must be approved by the State Legislative Assembly, ensuring accountability.

  • Article 206 – Votes on Account, Votes of Credit, and Exceptional Grants
    Sometimes, the legislature may need to approve funds for a temporary period before the full budget is passed. Votes on Account cover routine expenses, Votes of Credit are for unforeseen demands, and Exceptional Grants address special circumstances.

  • Article 207 – Special Provisions for Financial Bills in States
    This ensures that money bills in state legislatures follow a specific procedure, including prior recommendation by the Governor, maintaining a check on financial legislation.

Articles 208 to 212 – State Legislature Rules and Proceedings

  • Article 208 – Rules of Procedure
    State legislatures frame their own procedural rules, subject to constitutional provisions, ensuring each state operates efficiently according to its unique needs.

  • Article 209 – Regulation of State Legislative Procedure in Financial Matters
    This enables states to set special financial legislative procedures, balancing flexibility with constitutional norms.

  • Article 210 – Language to be Used in State Legislatures
    States may use Hindi, English, or their own official languages in legislative proceedings, with English permitted until otherwise decided.

  • Article 211 – Restrictions on Discussion
    Legislators cannot discuss the conduct of a High Court judge except during impeachment proceedings, safeguarding judicial independence.

  • Article 212 – Courts Not to Inquire into Legislative Proceedings
    Judicial bodies cannot question the validity of legislative procedures, respecting legislative sovereignty.

Articles 213 to 232 – The Executive and Legislative Interaction

  • Article 213 – Power of Governor to Promulgate Ordinances
    The Governor can issue ordinances when the legislature is not in session, but they must be approved later, ensuring executive action is temporary unless ratified.

  • Articles 214–231 – High Courts and Subordinate Courts
    These provisions detail the structure, jurisdiction, and powers of High Courts in states, appointment of judges, and creation of common High Courts for multiple states if needed.

  • Article 232 – Officers and Servants of High Courts
    The administration of High Courts includes officers appointed under the control of the Chief Justice.

Articles 233 to 237 – Subordinate Courts in States

These articles establish guidelines for the appointment, conditions of service, and control of district judges and other subordinate judicial officers, maintaining the independence and integrity of the judiciary.

Articles 238 to 241 – Union Territories

These provisions govern Union Territories (UTs) and their administration, ensuring flexibility in governance models for regions like Delhi, Puducherry, and others, depending on their unique needs.

Articles 242 to 255 – Relations Between Union and States

This cluster is particularly important for Centre–State relations:

  • Articles 245 to 255 (covered in earlier parts but linked here for continuity) outline the distribution of legislative powers, Parliament–State law overlaps, and requirements for presidential assent.
  • Article 255 specifically clarifies that certain acts do not become invalid merely due to procedural lapses regarding prior recommendations, provided the necessary sanction is later obtained.

Why These Articles Matter

Articles 205 to 255 show that India’s Constitution is not rigid, but dynamic, allowing for adaptation to financial emergencies, linguistic diversity, judicial independence, and varied administrative arrangements. They strike a balance between state autonomy and Union oversight, a balance that has kept the world’s largest democracy functioning for decades.

Conclusion:
This part of the Constitution is a reminder that governance is not just about making laws—it’s about managing resources, ensuring cooperation between different levels of government, and safeguarding constitutional values. Without these provisions, the Union–State relationship would risk imbalance, leading to inefficiency and discord.


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