Article 378A still actively controls Andhra Pradesh's Assembly today.

This was a one-time transitional rule for the very first Assembly formed in 1956. Its five-year term expired decades ago, so the provision is now historical and spent; current Assemblies follow the ordinary rule in Article 172.

The Constitution of India

Article 378A

Special provision as to duration of Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly

Notwithstanding anything contained in article 172, the Legislative Assembly of the State of Andhra Pradesh as constituted under the provisions of sections 28 and 29 of the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, shall, unless sooner dissolved, continue for a period of five years from the date referred to in the said section 29 and no longer and the expiration of the said period shall operate as a dissolution of that Legislative Assembly.§

Why this exists

In 1956, the States Reorganisation Act redrew India's internal boundaries, merging the Telugu-speaking regions of Andhra State and the Telangana area of former Hyderabad State into the new State of Andhra Pradesh. This merger created a fresh Legislative Assembly combining members from both regions. To avoid confusion about how long this newly combined Assembly would function, the Constitution was amended to add Article 378A, giving it a clear, fixed five-year term starting from the date the reorganisation took effect (1 November 1956), rather than leaving its duration to the ordinary rules in Article 172.

Common misconceptions

Myth: Article 378A still actively controls Andhra Pradesh's Assembly today.
Fact: This was a one-time transitional rule for the very first Assembly formed in 1956. Its five-year term expired decades ago, so the provision is now historical and spent; current Assemblies follow the ordinary rule in Article 172.