⚠️ Part VII - Repealed
This part of the Constitution has been repealed and is no longer in force.
Historical Context
Original Purpose
Part VII originally dealt with the administration of "Part B States" - princely states that had acceded to India after independence.
Part B States
These were former princely states like Hyderabad, Mysore, Travancore-Cochin, Madhya Bharat, Patiala and East Punjab States Union (PEPSU), Rajasthan, Saurashtra, and Vindhya Pradesh.
Repeal
The part was repealed by the 7th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1956, which reorganized states on linguistic basis and abolished the distinction between Part A, Part B, and Part C states.
7th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1956
The 7th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1956, brought about significant changes to the federal structure of India:
- State Reorganization: States were reorganized on linguistic basis
- Unified Structure: All states were brought under a uniform administrative structure
- Abolition of Categories: The distinction between Part A, Part B, and Part C states was abolished
- Union Territories: Some areas were designated as Union Territories
Current Status
Today, all states in India have the same constitutional status and are governed by Part VI of the Constitution. The former Part B states have been fully integrated into the Indian federal structure.
Former Part B States
Hyderabad, Mysore, Travancore-Cochin, Madhya Bharat, PEPSU, Rajasthan, Saurashtra, Vindhya Pradesh
Current Status
All are now regular states governed by Part VI of the Constitution