Question

When was Article 355 used for the first time?

• A. 1975
• B. 1977
• C. 1991
• D. 2023

Hint:

Understand the relationship between Article 355 and Article 356. Article 355 provides the 'duty' of the Centre to protect the state, and if the state government fails, Article 356 provides the 'power' to impose President's Rule. The invocation of 355 is often the justification for using 356.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks when Article 355 of the Indian Constitution was first invoked.
Step 2: Key Concept:
Article 355 is a part of the Emergency Provisions in the Constitution. It imposes a duty on 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. It is often seen as a precursor or justification for imposing President's Rule under Article 356. The use of this article is often a matter of political and legal debate and may not always be explicitly stated.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
The explicit and formal invocation of Article 355 is not as common or as clearly documented as the imposition of Article 356. However, there are instances where the central government has cited its duty under Article 355 to intervene in a state's affairs. One of the notable early instances where the principles of Article 355 were heavily relied upon was during the period of political instability in Tamil Nadu in 1991. The central government, headed by Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar, dismissed the DMK government in Tamil Nadu. The justification provided was the deteriorating law and order situation and the state government's alleged links with the LTTE, which was considered a threat to national security and internal stability. This action was seen as the Union fulfilling its duty under Article 355, leading to the imposition of President's Rule under Article 356. - 1975: This year is famous for the declaration of National Emergency under Article 352, not Article 355. - 2023: Article 355 was invoked in Manipur in response to ethnic violence. This is a recent, not the first, instance. Given the options, 1991 represents a significant and early instance where the justification for central intervention was strongly based on the duty outlined in Article 355.
Step 4: Final Answer
While its application is complex, the 1991 dismissal of the Tamil Nadu government is a significant early instance where the Union's duty under Article 355 was invoked as a justification for central action.