Question

Which Article of the Indian Constitution did Dr. B.R. Ambedkar hope would remain a 'dead letter'?

• A. Article 32
• B. Article 356
• C. Article 360
• D. Article 35

Hint:

Important constitutional phrases associated with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar:

• Article 32 --- ``Heart and Soul of the Constitution''

• Article 356 --- Hoped to remain a ``Dead Letter''

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: The emergency provisions of the Constitution grant extraordinary powers to the Union Government in exceptional situations. Among these provisions, Article 356 has been one of the most debated because it allows the imposition of President's Rule in a state.

Step 1: Identify the relevant constitutional provision. Article 356 deals with the failure of constitutional machinery in a state and empowers the President to assume control of state administration.

Step 2: Review the Constituent Assembly debates. During discussions on the Constitution, concerns were raised regarding the possible misuse of this provision for political purposes. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar acknowledged such concerns.

Step 3: Understand Ambedkar's observation. Dr. Ambedkar expressed hope that Article 356 would never need to be used and would remain a ``dead letter.'' His statement reflected the expectation that constitutional governance in states would function smoothly without requiring central intervention. Therefore, Option (B) is correct.