Timeline of President's rules in Manipur's History

Timeline of President's Rule in Manipur

Manipur

Here is a timeline of President’s Rule in Manipur throughout its history:

1st President’s Rule (1967)

• Duration: 12 January 1967 – 19 March 1967
• Reason: Political instability and failure to form a government.

2nd President’s Rule (1967–1968)

• Duration: 25 October 1967 – 18 February 1968
• Reason: Continued political instability.

3rd President’s Rule (1969–1972)

• Duration: 17 October 1969 – 21 January 1972
• Reason: Law and order issues and administrative challenges.
• Outcome: Manipur attained full statehood on 21 January 1972.

4th President’s Rule (1973–1974)

• Duration: 28 March 1973 – 3 March 1974
• Reason: Political instability and inability to form a stable government.

5th President’s Rule (1977)

• Duration: 16 May 1977 – 28 June 1977
• Reason: Collapse of the government due to defections.

6th President’s Rule (1979–1980)

• Duration: 14 November 1979 – 13 January 1980
• Reason: Political crisis and government instability.

7th President’s Rule (1981)

• Duration: 28 February 1981 – 18 June 1981
• Reason: Political instability leading to the dismissal of the government.

8th President’s Rule (1992)

• Duration: 7 January 1992 – 7 April 1992
• Reason: Political turmoil and failure to maintain a stable government.

9th President’s Rule (1993–1994)

• Duration: 31 December 1993 – 13 December 1994
• Reason: Insurgency and breakdown of law and order.

10th President’s Rule (2001–2002)

• Duration: 2 June 2001 – 6 March 2002
• Reason: Political turmoil and instability in the state government.

11th President’s Rule (2025–Present)

• Duration: 13 February 2025 – Present
• Reason: Escalating ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki communities, resulting in over 250 deaths and displacement of thousands. The resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh amid the crisis led to the imposition of direct federal control. As of February 15, 2025, Manipur is under President's Rule for the eleventh time due to ongoing ethnic violence and political instability.

The recent unrest began in May 2023, with clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities over issues such as economic benefits and land rights. Despite efforts to restore peace, sporadic attacks continued, leading to significant loss of life and property. The situation was further aggravated by the infiltration of militants from Myanmar, bringing advanced weaponry into the region.

In December 2024, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh apologized for the prolonged unrest and expressed hope for a return to normalcy. However, the violence persisted, leading to the federal government's decision to impose President's Rule in February 2025.

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.