What is a President's Rule, and What happens in a President's Rule of India?

 

Manipur, located in North-East India is under President's Rule

What is President's Rule?

President's Rule, also known as State Emergency or Article 356, is a provision in the Indian Constitution that allows the central government to take direct control of a state when its constitutional machinery breaks down. It is imposed by the President of India on the advice of the Union Cabinet.

When is President’s Rule Imposed?

President's Rule can be imposed under Article 356 in the following situations:

1. Breakdown of Constitutional Machinery – If the Governor of the state reports that the government is unable to function according to the Constitution.
2. Failure to Form a Government – If no party or coalition can form a government after elections.
3. Loss of Majority – If the ruling party loses its majority and no alternative government can be formed.
4. Failure to Follow Constitutional Provisions – If the state government acts against the Constitution of India.
5. Disturbances in Law and Order – If there is violence, riots, or internal disturbances that prevent normal governance.

What Happens During President’s Rule?

1. State Government is Dismissed – The Chief Minister and Council of Ministers are removed.
2. Legislative Assembly is Dissolved or Suspended – The state legislature stops functioning.
3. Governor Takes Over – The Governor, appointed by the President, runs the state with the help of advisors or bureaucrats.
4. Parliament Exercises Legislative Powers – The Parliament of India makes laws for the state.
5. Duration – Initially imposed for six months, but can be extended up to three years with Parliament's approval every six months.

How is President’s Rule Revoked?

• It can be revoked anytime by the President if normalcy is restored.
• If a new government is formed in the state, President’s Rule is lifted.
• The Supreme Court and High Courts can review and revoke it if it is misused.

Criticism and Misuse

• Misused for Political Gains – Many times, central governments have imposed President’s Rule to remove opposition-led state governments.
• Weakens Federalism – It reduces the autonomy of states.
• Judicial Safeguards – The Supreme Court (S.R. Bommai Case, 1994) ruled that judicial review is allowed to prevent misuse.

Recent Developments

On February 9, 2025, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned amid mounting pressure from opposition groups and internal allies. His resignation came ahead of a legislative assembly session where a no-confidence motion was anticipated. Following the resignation and the inability to establish a consensus on a successor, the Indian federal government imposed President's Rule on February 13, 2025. As of February 14, 2025, the northeastern Indian state of Manipur is under President's Rule following significant political upheaval and prolonged ethnic violence. The situation remains dynamic, and further developments are anticipated as the central administration implements strategies to resolve the crisis.