Which one of the following Articles of the Constitution of India says that the executive power of every State shall be so exercised as not to impede or prejudice the exercise of the executive power of the Union ?

The correct answer is Article 257. Article 257 directs that the executive power of every State must be exercised so as not to impede or prejudice the exercise of the executive power of the Union, thereby subordinating State executive action where it conflicts with Union administration. This principle supports the constitutional scheme where the executive power of the Union is vested in the President and the Union’s administration carries responsibility for national functions [1]. Complementary provisions permit sharing or delegation of executive functions between Union and States by mutual consent, underscoring that coordination and non-interference are fundamental to Centre–State administrative relations [2].

Sources

1. [1] Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 11: The Union Executive > 2. Powers and Duties of the President > p. 209
2. [2] Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 26: ADMINISTRATIVE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE UNION AND THE STATES > A) Techniques of Union Control Over States > p. 394