Part XX: Transitional Provisions
Article 378A: Special Provision as to Duration of Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly
Original Article:
Notwithstanding anything contained in article 172, the Legislative Assembly of the State of Andhra Pradesh as constituted under the provisions of sections 28 and 29 of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, shall, unless sooner dissolved, continue for a period of five years from the date referred to in the said section 29 and no longer and the expiration of the said period shall operate as a dissolution of that Legislative Assembly.
1 Ins. by the Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956, s. 24 (w.e.f. 1-11-1956).
Explanations:
Article 378A of the Indian Constitution provides a special provision regarding the duration of the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly. It was introduced through the Seventh Amendment Act, 1956, to accommodate the administrative changes brought about by the States Reorganisation Act.
Clause-by-Clause Explanation:
Special Timeline for Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly
The Article mandates that the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly, as formed under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, will continue for a period of five years from the date specified in Section 29 of the Act, unless dissolved earlier.
Automatic Dissolution After Five Years
It stipulates that upon the expiration of the five-year period, the Assembly will stand automatically dissolved unless an earlier dissolution occurs.
Legislative History:
Article 378A was introduced as a transitional provision necessitated by the creation of Andhra Pradesh through the merger of the Telugu-speaking areas of Hyderabad State and the Andhra region of Madras State.
Amendments:
This Article was inserted by the Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956, effective from 1st November 1956. It was designed specifically for the transitional governance of Andhra Pradesh post-reorganization.
Debates and Deliberations:
The provision was extensively debated, with discussions focusing on the need for stability in Andhra Pradesh during its formative years following reorganization.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
It was introduced to ensure governance stability in Andhra Pradesh during its transition post-reorganization in 1956.
The duration is five years from the date specified in Section 29 of the States Reorganisation Act, unless dissolved earlier.
The Legislative Assembly is automatically dissolved at the end of the five-year period.