Part XI: Relations Between the Union and the States

Article 259: Armed Forces in States in Part B of the First Schedule

Original Article:

Article 259 originally provided provisions for the deployment and control of armed forces in Part B States listed in the First Schedule of the Constitution. However, this article was omitted by the Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956, as part of the reorganization of States.

Explanations:

Article 259 was introduced to integrate the governance of armed forces in Part B States, which comprised former princely states or regions that joined the Indian Union post-independence. Its omission by the Seventh Amendment reflects the evolution of India’s administrative and federal structure.

Legislative History:

Article 259, initially drafted to address the unique defense needs of Part B States, was omitted in 1956 when the classification of States into Parts A, B, and C was abolished. The reorganization of States led to a unified approach to defense administration, rendering Article 259 redundant.

Historical Context:

Part B States included regions such as Hyderabad, Mysore, and Jammu and Kashmir, which had distinct administrative arrangements. Article 259 ensured their integration into India’s defense framework during the early years of independence.

Real-Life Examples:

• Integration of Hyderabad: The Indian Army’s Operation Polo in 1948 demonstrated the need for centralized defense control in princely states, which Article 259 sought to formalize.
• Jammu and Kashmir: The unique defense considerations in this region underscored the importance of a centralized approach, influencing the eventual reorganization of States.

Debates and Deliberations:

The Constituent Assembly discussed the necessity of Article 259 to address transitional challenges in integrating princely states into the Union. Key points included:

• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel: Emphasized the importance of a unified defense mechanism for newly integrated states.
• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: Supported provisions to ensure national security while respecting the autonomy of princely states during the transition period.