In short :
Imposed: February 2025, due to deteriorating security and political instability
Constitutional Basis: Article 356 allows the Union to impose President’s Rule when a State government cannot function as per the Constitution
Parliamentary Approval: Required within 2 months; can be extended up to 3 years (6 months at a time)
What is the President’s Rule?
Article 356 empowers the President (Union government) to take over a State’s governance if it fails to function per the Constitution.
Can be triggered by:
- A Governor’s report, or
- Under Article 365, if the State fails to comply with Union directions.
Duration & Procedure :
- Must be approved by Parliament within 2 months by a simple majority.
- Once approved, valid for 6 months at a time, and can be extended up to 3 years in total (with periodic approvals).
- Assembly may be dissolved or kept in suspended animation, depending on the situation and political alternatives.
Historical Misuse & Concerns :
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar hoped Article 356 would remain a “dead letter”.
- However, it has been misused to dismiss elected State governments, especially when:
- Central ruling party lost State elections
- There was a political motive masked as a law-and-order issue
Judicial Safeguards — S. R. Bommai Case (1994)
Landmark verdict that:
- Restricted arbitrary use of Article 356
- Made President’s Rule subject to judicial review
- Assembly should be kept in suspended animation until Parliament approves
- Distinction drawn between breakdown of constitutional machinery vs. law and order
- Post-Bommai Strikes:
- Bihar (2005), Uttarakhand (2016), Arunachal Pradesh (2016) – President’s Rule was struck down by courts for being politically motivated.
Revocation of President’s Rule :
- A Proclamation of Emergency can be revoked by the President at any time by a subsequent proclamation.
- Such a proclamation does not require parliamentary approval.
- Manipur (Feb 2025): Under President’s Rule due to a security crisis; Assembly kept under suspended animation till March 2027.
Governor’s Discretion & Inconsistencies
- No uniformity in how Governors dissolve Assemblies:
- In some cases, Assemblies were dissolved on advice of doubtful majorities (e.g., Kerala 1970, Punjab 1971)
- In others, efforts were made to form alternative governments (e.g., UP 1968, MP 1969)
UPSC Relevance
- GS2 – Polity & Governance
- Centre–State relations, Constitutional provisions and misuse of emergency powers, Role of Judiciary in federal checks and balances
Possible Mains Question
“Discuss the constitutional safeguards and judicial interpretation of Article 356 in light of its historical misuse.”