Page:The Soviet Socialist Constitution of december 5, 1936.djvu/17

 credentials or to annul the election of the deputies concerned.

ARTICLE 51
 * The Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R., when it deems necessary, appoints commissions of enquiry and investigation on any matter. It is the duty of all institutions and officials to comply with the demands of these commissions and to submit to them the necessary materials and documents.

ARTICLE 52
 * A member of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. may not be prosecuted or arrested without the consent of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R., and in the period when the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. is not in session, without the consent of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R.

ARTICLE 53
 * On the expiration of the term of office of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R., or after the Supreme Soviet has been dissolved prior to the expiration of its term of office, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. retains its powers until the formation of a new Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. by the newly-elected Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R.

ARTICLE 54
 * On the expiration of the term of office of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R., or in the event of its dissolution prior to the expiration of its term of office, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. appoints new elections to be held within a period not exceeding two months from the date of expiration of the term of office or the dissolution of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R.

ARTICLE 55
 * The newly-elected Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. is convened by the outgoing Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R. not later than one month after the elections.

ARTICLE 56

The Supreme Soviet of the U.S.S.R., at a joint

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