President’s Rule in India (Article 356) – Exam-Oriented Notes

Definition:

President’s Rule refers to the suspension of a state government and direct administration by the central government under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution. It is imposed when a state government is unable to function as per constitutional provisions.

Constitutional Provisions:

• Article 356: Allows the President to take over a state’s administration if there is a failure of the constitutional machinery.
• Article 355: The central government has a duty to ensure that every state functions in accordance with the Constitution.

Reasons for Imposition:

1. Political instability – No party gets a majority or coalition breakdown.
2. Breakdown of law and order – Large-scale violence or failure of governance.
3. Failure to comply with constitutional provisions – Example: Not conducting elections on time.
4. Refusal to follow Union government directives – States defying central laws/orders.
5. Corruption or maladministration – If governance collapses due to inefficiency.

Process of Imposition:

1. Governor’s Report – The Governor of the state recommends President’s Rule if the government fails to function.
2. Presidential Proclamation – The President issues a notification imposing President’s Rule.
3. Parliamentary Approval – Both Houses of Parliament must approve it within two months.
4. Duration – Initially imposed for six months, extendable up to three years with Parliament’s approval every six months.

Effects of President’s Rule:

• The Governor takes over state administration on behalf of the President.
• The State Assembly is either dissolved or suspended.
• The Parliament makes laws for the state.
• The Union government exercises full control over the state’s administration.

Limitations and Safeguards:

• Judicial Review: The Supreme Court can strike down President’s Rule if found unconstitutional (e.g., S. R. Bommai case, 1994).
• Parliamentary Oversight: Requires Parliament’s approval every six months.
• Time Limit: Cannot be extended beyond three years (except under national emergency conditions).

Important Cases:

• S. R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994) – The Supreme Court ruled that President’s Rule is subject to judicial review and cannot be imposed arbitrarily.
• Rameshwar Prasad Case (2006) – The Supreme Court held that dissolving a state assembly based on the assumption of instability was unconstitutional.

Examples of President’s Rule in India:

• Punjab (1987-1992) – Due to terrorism and political instability.
• Jammu & Kashmir (2018-2019) – After BJP withdrew support from the coalition government.
• Maharashtra (2019) – Due to a deadlock in government formation.
• Manipur (2025) – Due to political crisis and ethnic violence.

President’s Rule is an extraordinary provision meant to ensure constitutional governance in states. However, its misuse for political reasons has been a concern. Judicial rulings and constitutional safeguards help prevent arbitrary imposition.

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