Which Article of the Constitution of India originally accorded special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir?

Introduction / Context:
For many years after independence, the state of Jammu and Kashmir enjoyed a special constitutional status within the Union of India. This status was provided by a specific Article in the Constitution, which contained unique provisions regarding autonomy, separate laws, and the application of the Indian Constitution to that state. Although the legal position has changed in recent times, exams frequently ask which Article originally granted this special status.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks about the Article that accorded special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
• The options list several Articles dealing with different subjects.
• We assume awareness of the historical provision, regardless of later changes.

Concept / Approach:
Article 370 of the Constitution of India was the provision that granted special autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir. It specified that the provisions of the Indian Constitution would apply to the state with certain exceptions and modifications and that the state would have its own Constitution and considerable autonomy. Other Articles in the list serve very different purposes, such as dealing with public services, elections, President rule, or special provisions for other states, but none are as closely identified with Jammu and Kashmir as Article 370.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Article 370 is widely known and discussed as the special status provision for Jammu and Kashmir.Step 2: Recognise that this Article provided for a separate Constitution for the state and limited application of some central laws.Step 3: Compare this with the other Articles offered in the options.Step 4: Note that Article 311 deals with dismissal, removal, and reduction in rank of civil servants, Article 324 deals with the Election Commission, Article 356 with President rule in states, and Article 371 with special provisions for other states but not specifically Jammu and Kashmir in the same original sense.Step 5: Conclude that Article 370 is the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, refer to any traditional polity textbook or older constitution commentary, which will list Article 370 as the provision regarding the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. It is so widely cited that general readers also frequently associate the number 370 with Jammu and Kashmir. Even when discussing changes to the state status, public and legal discussions have focused on Article 370, which firmly confirms the association.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Article 311 protects civil servants by specifying safeguards in disciplinary actions and is not related to the status of any state. Article 324 establishes the Election Commission and deals with supervision of elections. Article 356 deals with President rule and emergency in states, not with a permanent special status. Article 371 provides special provisions for various other states, particularly in the north east and some western regions, but historically the most famous special status of Jammu and Kashmir is linked to Article 370, not 371.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners confuse Article 370 with 371 because both involve special provisions for states. Others may be aware of Article 356 due to its use in imposing President rule and may mistakenly think it refers to a special status. The best way to avoid confusion is to remember that 370 was historically tied specifically to Jammu and Kashmir, while 371 is a series of clauses giving limited special provisions to several other states.

Final Answer:
Article 370