Tricks to Remember the Articles of the Indian Constitution for Competitive Exams (Part 2: Articles 123–237)

Article 145

Subject/Topic: Rules of Court, etc.
Key Provision: The Supreme Court can make its own rules for practice and procedure with the President’s approval.
Part of Constitution: Part V (The Union) – Chapter IV.
Important Features: Includes rules for legal practitioners, bail, stay of proceedings, and costs.
Exceptions/Limitations: A Constitution Bench (minimum 5 judges) is mandatory for cases involving a “substantial question of law as to the interpretation of this Constitution” or for Article 143 references.
Related Articles: Article 143 (Advisory Jurisdiction).
Important Cases: Rao Shiva Bahadur Singh v. State of Vindhya Pradesh (Clarified the scope of Constitution Benches).
Keywords: 5 Judges, Practice and Procedure, President’s Approval.
Articles in News: Recent formation of “Specialized Benches” (Tax, Land Acquisition) by the CJI under these rules.
Special Facts: While SC needs President’s approval for rules, High Courts do not need the Governor’s approval for theirs.
Trick: Rules Of Manager

Article 146

Subject/Topic: Officers and servants and the expenses of the Supreme Court.
Key Provision: The CJI has the power to appoint SC staff and define their service conditions.
Part of Constitution: Part V (The Union).
Important Features: Administrative expenses are charged upon the Consolidated Fund of India.
Exceptions/Limitations: Rules regarding salaries/pensions require the President’s approval.
Related Articles: Article 229 (Staff of High Courts).
Keywords: CJI Appointment, Consolidated Fund, Independence.
Special Facts: This article ensures the executive cannot “starve” the judiciary by cutting off its staff or budget.
Trick: Appoint Anyone

Article 147

Subject/Topic: Interpretation.
Key Provision: Clarifies that “substantial question of law” includes interpretations of the Government of India Act, 1935.
Part of Constitution: Part V (The Union).
Important Features: Bridges the gap between pre-independence laws and the current Constitution.
Keywords: Interpretation, 1935 Act, Continuity.
Special Facts: This is the final article of the Union Judiciary chapter.
Trick: Everyone Interrupt

Article 148

Subject/Topic: Comptroller and Auditor-General of India (CAG).
Key Provision: Establishes the office of the CAG as the independent authority for auditing government accounts.
Part of Constitution: Part V – Chapter V.
Important Features: Appointed by the President by warrant; Removed like an SC judge; Salary/expenses charged on the Consolidated Fund.
Exceptions/Limitations: CAG is not eligible for further office under the Center or State after retirement.
Related Articles: Article 124 (Removal process).
Keywords: Warrant, Oath, Ineligible for further office, Removal.
Special Facts: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar called the CAG “the most important officer under the Constitution.”
Trick: Everyone Audit

Article 149

Subject/Topic: Duties and powers of the CAG.
Key Provision: Parliament defines what the CAG audits (Union, States, and other authorities).
Part of Constitution: Part V (The Union).
Related Amendments: CAG (DPC) Act, 1971 (Defined Duties, Powers, and Conditions of Service).
Important Features: Audits all expenditure from the Consolidated Fund, Contingency Fund, and Public Account.
Keywords: Audit, Parliament Law, Accounts.
Special Facts: The CAG is a “Friend, Philosopher, and Guide” to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament.
Trick: Different Duties

Article 150

Subject/Topic: Form of accounts of the Union and of the States.
Key Provision: The accounts of the Union and States shall be kept in such form as the President may prescribe, on the advice of the CAG.
Part of Constitution: Part V (The Union).
Related Amendments: 42nd Amendment (1976) – Shifted the power to prescribe the form from the CAG alone to the President on CAG’s advice.
Keywords: Advice of CAG, Form of Accounts.
Special Facts: This ensures uniformity in how accounting is done across all Indian states.
Trick: Create Accounts

Article 151

Subject/Topic: Audit Reports.
Key Provision: The CAG submits audit reports to the President (for Union) and Governor (for State) to be laid before the respective Legislatures.
Part of Constitution: Part V (The Union).
Important Features: These reports are scrutinized by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
Related Articles: Article 149.
Keywords: Audit Report, President, Governor, Table in Parliament.
Articles in News: Reports on defense deals, spectrum auctions, or state subsidies often make headlines.
Special Facts: The CAG does not submit the report directly to Parliament; it must go through the President/Governor.
Trick: Create Reports

PART VI: THE STATES

These articles are similar to the Union articles. If you remember our tricks for remembering Union articles, then it is almost similar to State articles. For example, in Union it is President, and in State it is Governor, so it is almost similar with a little difference. So first learn the Union articles trick. If you have not seen my article, here is the link, click here.

For State articles, you just remember the first article number, like it is 152 and 153 is Governor. Some have similar differences like 90, 89, and 101, so see it carefully. Now I am only giving State articles, so learn, revise, and connect them with Union articles.

This section covers the State Executive, focusing on the definition of “State” for this Part and the pivotal role of the Governor.

Article 152

Subject/Topic: Definition.
Key Provision: Clarifies that in Part VI, the expression “State” does not include the State of Jammu and Kashmir (historical context).
Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States) – Chapter I.
Related Amendments: Constitution (Application to Jammu and Kashmir) Order, 2019: Rendered the exception in this article effectively null, as J&K is now a Union Territory.
Important Features: Acts as the “Interpretation” clause for the entire Part VI.
Exceptions/Limitations: Originally excluded J&K to respect Article 370.
Related Articles: Article 1 (Name and territory of the Union), Article 12 (Definition of State for FRs).
Important Cases: null
Keywords: Definition, State, Exception.
Articles in News: Post-2019 reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir.
Special Facts: This article serves as the “border” between the Union and the State provisions in the Constitution.

Article 153

Subject/Topic: Governors of States.
Key Provision: There shall be a Governor for each State.
Part of Constitution: Part VI – Chapter II (The Executive).
Related Amendments: 7th Amendment (1956): Provided that nothing shall prevent the appointment of the same person as Governor for two or more States.
Important Features: Establishes the office of the Governor as the nominal head.
Exceptions/Limitations: null
Related Articles: Article 155 (Appointment).
Important Cases: null
Keywords: Governor, Two or more states.
Articles in News: Often cited when a Governor is given “additional charge” of a neighboring state.
Special Facts: The Governor is considered a “bridge” between the Centre and the State.

Article 154

Subject/Topic: Executive power of State.
Key Provision: The executive power of the State is vested in the Governor and shall be exercised by him directly or through subordinate officers.
Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
Related Amendments: null
Important Features: This is the State equivalent of Article 53 (for the President).
Exceptions/Limitations: Functions conferred by law on other authorities (like local bodies) are not transferred to the Governor.
Related Articles: Article 53 (Union Executive Power).
Important Cases: Shamsher Singh v. State of Punjab: Confirmed the Governor is a formal/constitutional head.
Keywords: Executive Power, Vested, Subordinate Officers.
Special Facts: “Officers subordinate to him” includes the Council of Ministers.

Article 155

Subject/Topic: Appointment of Governor.
Key Provision: The Governor of a State shall be appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal.
Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
Related Amendments: null
Important Features: The Governor is neither directly elected nor indirectly elected by an electoral college.
Exceptions/Limitations: The Governor is an independent constitutional office; not an agent or employee of the Central Government.
Related Articles: Article 156.
Important Cases: Hargovind Pant v. Raghukul Tilak.
Keywords: Appointment, President, Warrant.
Special Facts: India adopted the Canadian model of appointment rather than the American model of election.

Article 156

Subject/Topic: Term of office of Governor.
Key Provision: The Governor holds office during the pleasure of the President.
Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
Related Amendments: null
Important Features: Subject to the “pleasure” clause, the term is 5 years from the date of entering office.
Exceptions/Limitations: Can resign at any time by writing to the President.
Related Articles: Article 155.
Important Cases: B.P. Singhal v. Union of India (2010): The President can remove a Governor without assigning reasons, but it cannot be done in an arbitrary or mala fide manner.
Keywords: Pleasure of President, 5 Years, Resignation.
Special Facts: A Governor continues in office until their successor takes charge, even if the 5-year term has expired.

Article 157

Subject/Topic: Qualifications for appointment as Governor.
Key Provision: Only two qualifications are listed: (1) Must be a Citizen of India, (2) Must have completed 35 years of age.
Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
Related Amendments: null
Important Features: Very simple criteria compared to other constitutional posts.
Exceptions/Limitations: null
Keywords: Citizen, 35 years.
Special Facts: No educational qualifications or residency requirements are mentioned in the Constitution.

Article 158

Subject/Topic: Conditions of Governor’s office.
Key Provision: The Governor shall not be a member of Parliament or State Legislature and shall not hold any other office of profit.
Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
Related Amendments: 7th Amendment (1956): Decided that if one person is Governor of 2+ states, the emoluments are shared among those states as per the President’s order.
Important Features: Entitled to free official residence (Raj Bhavan).
Exceptions/Limitations: Emoluments and allowances cannot be diminished during the term of office.
Keywords: Office of Profit, Raj Bhavan, Emoluments.
Special Facts: If an MP or MLA is appointed Governor, they are deemed to have vacated their seat in the House on the date they enter the Governor’s office.

Article 159

Subject/Topic: Oath or affirmation by the Governor.
Key Provision: Every Governor must take an oath to “preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and the law.”
Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
Related Amendments: null
Important Features: Administered by the Chief Justice of the High Court (or the senior-most judge available).
Related Articles: Article 60 (President’s Oath).
Keywords: Preserve, Protect, Defend, Chief Justice of HC.
Special Facts: The wording is identical to the President’s oath.

Article 160

Subject/Topic: Discharge of the functions of the Governor in certain contingencies.
Key Provision: The President may make provisions for the discharge of Governor’s functions in any contingency not provided for in this Chapter.
Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
Related Amendments: null
Keywords: Contingency, President’s power.

Article 161

Subject/Topic: Power of Governor to grant pardons, etc., and to suspend, remit or commute sentences in certain cases.
Key Provision: The Governor has pardoning powers for offenses against laws related to the executive power of the State.
Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
Important Features: Covers Pardons, Reprieves, Respites, Remissions, and Commutations.
Exceptions/Limitations: The Governor cannot pardon a death sentence (only the President can), though they can suspend, remit, or commute it. The Governor also has no power regarding Court Martials.
Related Articles: Article 72 (President’s Pardoning Power).
Important Cases: Perarivalan Case (2022): Clarified the Governor’s duty to act on the advice of the State Cabinet regarding remissions.
Keywords: Pardon, Remit, Commute, State Law.
Special Facts: This power is exercised on the advice of the State Government, not independently.

Article 162

Subject/Topic: Extent of executive power of State.
Key Provision: The executive power of a State extends to matters with respect to which the State Legislature has power to make laws.
Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
Related Amendments: null
Important Features: In matters of the Concurrent List, the executive power of the State is limited by the executive power expressly conferred on the Union.
Related Articles: Article 73 (Extent of Union Executive Power).
Keywords: State List, Concurrent List.
Special Facts: Executive power usually follows legislative power.

Article 163

Subject/Topic: Council of Ministers to aid and advise Governor.
Key Provision: There shall be a Council of Ministers with the Chief Minister at the head to aid and advise the Governor.
Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
Important Features: Specifies that the Governor acts on advice except in matters where he is required to act in his discretion.
Exceptions/Limitations: If any question arises whether a matter falls under the Governor’s discretion, the decision of the Governor is final and cannot be questioned.
Related Articles: Article 74 (President’s Aid and Advice).
Important Cases: Nabam Rebia Case (2016): The SC held that the Governor’s discretionary power is limited and not all-encompassing.
Keywords: Aid and Advice, Discretion, Chief Minister.
Articles in News: Conflicts between “Governors” and “Chief Ministers” over legislative bills or summoning the House.
Special Facts: Unlike Article 74 (President), Article 163 explicitly mentions the word “Discretion” for the Governor.

Article 164

Subject/Topic: Other provisions as to Ministers.
Key Provision: The Chief Minister is appointed by the Governor; other Ministers are appointed on the CM’s advice.
Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
Related Amendments:
- 91st Amendment (2003): Capped the Council of Ministers at 15% of the total strength of the Assembly.
- 94th Amendment (2006): Updated the list of states requiring a Tribal Welfare Minister.
Important Features: Ministers hold office during the pleasure of the Governor; Collective responsibility to the Assembly.
Exceptions/Limitations: Tribal Welfare Minister is mandatory only in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha.
Related Articles: Article 75 (Union Ministers), Article 163 (Governor’s discretion).
Important Cases: null
Keywords: 15% Limit, Tribal Welfare, Individual Responsibility, Collective Responsibility.
Articles in News: Frequent discussions on the “Pleasure of the Governor” regarding the dismissal of ministers.
Special Facts: A person can be a Minister for 6 months without being a member of the State Legislature.

Article 165

Subject/Topic: Advocate-General for the State.
Key Provision: The Governor appoints the highest legal officer of the state to give legal advice to the government.
Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
Related Amendments: null
Important Features: Qualification must be equal to a High Court Judge; holds office during the pleasure of the Governor.
Exceptions/Limitations: Does not have the right to vote in the Legislature.
Related Articles: Article 76 (Attorney-General for India), Article 177 (Rights of Advocate-General in Houses).
Important Cases: null
Keywords: State Legal Advisor, HC Qualification, No Voting Right.
Articles in News: null
Special Facts: Corresponding to the Attorney General of India, but at the State level.

Article 166

Subject/Topic: Conduct of business of the Government of a State.
Key Provision: All executive actions of the State must be expressed to be taken in the name of the Governor.
Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
Related Amendments: null
Important Features: Governor makes rules for the allocation of business among ministers.
Exceptions/Limitations: Validity of an order cannot be questioned on the ground that it was not made by the Governor if it is properly authenticated.
Related Articles: Article 77 (Conduct of Union Business).
Important Cases: null
Keywords: Authentication, Executive Action, Rules of Business.
Articles in News: null
Special Facts: This article ensures that all administrative orders are legally attributed to the head of the State.

Article 167

Subject/Topic: Duties of Chief Minister as respects the furnishing of information to Governor, etc.
Key Provision: The CM must communicate all cabinet decisions and administrative information to the Governor.
Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
Related Amendments: null
Important Features: CM acts as a bridge between the Council of Ministers and the Governor.
Exceptions/Limitations: null
Related Articles: Article 78 (Duties of Prime Minister).
Important Cases: null
Keywords: Link, Communication, Information, Duty.
Articles in News: Friction between CMs and Governors often arises when information is not shared as per this article.
Special Facts: If the Governor requires, the CM must submit any individual minister’s decision to the whole Council.

Article 168

Subject/Topic: Constitution of Legislatures in States.
Key Provision: Every State shall have a Legislature consisting of the Governor and one or two Houses.
Part of Constitution: Part VI – Chapter III.
Related Amendments: null
Important Features: Names the houses as Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad) and Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha).
Exceptions/Limitations: Most states are unicameral (Assembly only).
Related Articles: Article 169.
Important Cases: null
Keywords: Unicameral, Bicameral, Governor.
Articles in News: null
Special Facts: Only 6 states currently have a Bicameral Legislature (UP, Bihar, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana).

Article 169

Subject/Topic: Abolition or creation of Legislative Councils in States.
Key Provision: Parliament can create or abolish a Council if the State Assembly passes a resolution with a Special Majority.
Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
Related Amendments: null
Important Features: This process is not deemed an amendment under Article 368.
Exceptions/Limitations: Resolution must be passed by a majority of the total membership and 2/3rds of those present and voting.
Related Articles: Article 171 (Composition).
Important Cases: null
Keywords: Special Majority, Parliament Power, Resolution.
Articles in News: Recent proposals by Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal regarding their Councils.
Special Facts: Provides flexibility to states to have a second chamber based on their own needs.

Article 170

Subject/Topic: Composition of the Legislative Assemblies.
Key Provision: Defines the strength and election method of the Vidhan Sabha.
Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
Related Amendments:
- 42nd Amendment (1976): Froze seat allocation.
- 84th Amendment (2001): Extended the freeze until 2026.
Important Features: Max 500, Min 60 members; Direct election based on adult suffrage.
Exceptions/Limitations: Exceptions to the minimum (60) include Sikkim (32), Mizoram (40), and Goa (40).
Related Articles: Article 332 (Reservation of seats).
Important Cases: null
Keywords: Direct Election, Territorial Constituencies, 500-60 Limit.
Articles in News: Delimitation discussions leading up to the 2026 census.
Special Facts: The Assembly is the “Popular House” of the state.

Article 171

Subject/Topic: Composition of the Legislative Councils.
Key Provision: Defines the indirect election and nomination process for the Vidhan Parishad.
Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
Related Amendments: null
Important Features: Max strength is 1/3rd of the Assembly; Min is 40.
Exceptions/Limitations: null
Related Articles: Article 169.
Important Cases: null
Keywords: 1/3rd Strength, Indirect Election, Nomination (1/6th).
Articles in News: null
Special Facts: It is a diverse house consisting of representatives from local bodies, graduates, teachers, and nominees.

Article 172

Subject/Topic: Duration of State Legislatures.
Key Provision: Assembly term is 5 years; Council is a permanent body.
Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
Related Amendments: 44th Amendment (1978): Restored the 5-year term after it was increased to 6 during the Emergency.
Important Features: Assembly can be dissolved earlier; Council members serve 6-year terms with 1/3rd retiring every 2 years.
Exceptions/Limitations: During a National Emergency, Parliament can extend the Assembly term by 1 year at a time.
Related Articles: Article 83 (Duration of Parliament).
Important Cases: null
Keywords: 5 Years, Permanent Body, Dissolution.
Articles in News: null
Special Facts: The Legislative Council is never dissolved; it is a “Continuing Chamber.”

Article 173

Subject/Topic: Qualification for membership of the State Legislature.
Key Provision: Sets the requirements to become an MLA or MLC.
Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
Related Amendments: null
Important Features:
1. Citizen of India.
2. Age: 25 years for Assembly; 30 years for Council.
3. Must take an oath before the Election Commission.
Exceptions/Limitations: Must not hold any other disqualification prescribed by Parliament (e.g., RPA 1951).
Related Articles: Article 84 (Qualifications for MP), Article 191 (Disqualifications).
Important Cases: null
Keywords: 25 Years, 30 Years, Oath.
Articles in News: Cases regarding “Office of Profit” often link back to these eligibility criteria.
Special Facts: The age requirements are identical to those of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

Article 174

Subject/Topic: Sessions of the State Legislature, prorogation and dissolution.
Key Provision: The Governor summons the House to meet, but the gap between two sessions cannot exceed 6 months.
Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
Related Amendments: null
Important Features: The Governor has the power to: (a) Summon the House; (b) Prorogue (end a session); (c) Dissolve the Legislative Assembly.
Exceptions/Limitations: The Governor usually acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers.
Related Articles: Article 85 (Sessions of Parliament).
Important Cases: Nabam Rebia Case (2016): SC held the Governor cannot summon or prorogue the House without the CM’s advice unless the CM has lost the majority.
Keywords: 6 Months, Summon, Prorogue, Dissolve.
Articles in News: Often in the news when a Governor delays summoning a House for a floor test.
Special Facts: Only the Assembly can be dissolved; the Council is permanent.

Article 175

Subject/Topic: Right of Governor to address and send messages to the House or Houses.
Key Provision: The Governor can address either or both Houses and send messages regarding pending bills.
Part of Constitution: Part VI (The States).
Related Amendments: null
Important Features: If a message is sent, the House must consider the matter with “all convenient despatch.”
Exceptions/Limitations: null
Related Articles: Article 86 (President’s right to address Parliament).
Keywords: Address, Message, Pending Bills.
Articles in News: null
Special Facts: This is a “Right” of the Governor, distinct from the “Special Address” in Art 176.

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