Article 355 of the Indian Constitution

Article 355 of the Indian Constitution deals with the duty of the Union to protect every State against external aggression and internal disturbance. It states that it shall be the duty of 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 the Constitution.

Explanation:

1. Duty of the Union
- Article 355 establishes the duty of the Union government to protect every State against both external aggression and internal disturbance.
- The Union government has the responsibility to safeguard the territorial integrity of the country and ensure the smooth functioning of the state governments.

2. Protection against external aggression
- External aggression refers to any act of aggression or threat from outside the country's borders.
- The Union government is responsible for defending the country against any external aggression, whether it is in the form of military attacks, infiltration, or any other threat to national security.
- This duty includes maintaining a strong defense system, border security, and the deployment of armed forces when necessary.

3. Protection against internal disturbance
- Internal disturbance refers to any form of unrest or disturbance within the country's borders.
- The Union government is responsible for ensuring the maintenance of law and order within the states and protecting them from any internal disturbances such as riots, rebellions, or any other form of civil unrest.
- This duty includes the deployment of central armed forces, if required, to restore peace and maintain public order.

4. Ensuring government in accordance with the Constitution
- Article 355 also states that the Union government has the responsibility to ensure that the government of every State is carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
- This means that the Union government must ensure that the state governments function within the constitutional framework and adhere to the principles and provisions laid down in the Constitution.

Conclusion:

Article 355 of the Indian Constitution places the duty on the Union government to protect every State against external aggression and internal disturbance. This includes defending the country from external threats, maintaining law and order within the states, and ensuring that the state governments function in accordance with the Constitution. This provision helps in safeguarding the unity, integrity, and stability of the nation.