---
title: "Articles 256 & 257: Centre-State Admin Relations"
description: "Articles 256 and 257 let the Indian Union direct states to comply with central laws, backed by Article 365 sanctions. Key UPSC GS2 federalism topic explained."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/article-256-and-257-administrative-relations"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Articles 256 and 257 of the Indian Constitution oblige states to comply with Union laws and grant the Centre power to issue directions ensuring such compliance.
- What is the difference between Article 256 and Article 257?
- What happens if a state ignores a direction under Article 256 or 257?
- Are directions under these articles common in practice?
- How do Articles 256 and 257 relate to Article 356?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Articles 256 and 257 of the Indian Constitution oblige states to comply with Union laws and grant the Centre power to issue directions ensuring such compliance.

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In 2019–2020, the Union Home Ministry signalled it could invoke Article 256 directions against West Bengal and Kerala over their reluctance to implement the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, framing non-compliance as a potential Article 365 default.

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