Article 253 — Article 253 — Legislation for Giving Effect to International Agreements

Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing provisions of this Chapter, Parliament has power to make any law for the whole or any part of the territory of India for implementing any treaty, agreement or convention with any other country or countries or any decision made at any international conference, association or other body.

Source: Constitution of India, as published by the Ministry of Law and Justice.

The article was essential because India was joining the UN system and accepting international obligations in human rights, labour, and trade that touched on state subjects. Without Article 253, India could not have implemented ILO Conventions on labour, WHO health regulations, or TRIPS obligations on intellectual property in areas where states otherwise legislate.

• Article 245
• Article 246
• Article 248
• Article 51

Last reviewed: 3 July 2026