Which one of the following Articles of the Constitution of India says that the executive power of every State shall be so exercised as not to impede or prejudice the exercise of the executive power of the Union?

Correct Option

Article 257 of the Constitution of India mandates that the executive power of every State shall be exercised in such a manner as not to impede or prejudice the exercise of the executive power of the Union. Furthermore, it empowers the Union to issue directions to a State as deemed necessary for this purpose. This provision ensures the smooth functioning of the Union's executive authority and highlights the cooperative federalism with a central bias inherent in the Indian constitutional structure.

Incorrect Options

Article 258 deals with the power of the Union to confer powers, etc., on States in certain cases. It allows the President to entrust to the Government of a State, with its consent, functions relating to any matter to which the executive power of the Union extends.

Article 355 states that it is 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.

Article 358 pertains to the suspension of provisions of Article 19 during emergencies. It specifies that while a Proclamation of Emergency is in operation, the provisions of Article 19 shall not restrict the power of the State to make any law or to take any executive action.