What is President's Rule?
Historical Background
Key Points
9 points- 1.
Invoked under Article 356 when the President is satisfied that the state government cannot function according to the Constitution.
- 2.
A report from the Governor is usually, but not always, the basis for invoking Article 356.
- 3.
Parliamentary approval is required within two months of the proclamation.
- 4.
Initially valid for six months, can be extended up to a maximum of three years with parliamentary approval every six months.
- 5.
The state legislature is either suspended or dissolved.
- 6.
The Governor administers the state on behalf of the President.
- 7.
Judicial review is available; the courts can examine the validity of the proclamation.
- 8.
Can be revoked by the President at any time.
- 9.
During President's Rule, the Parliament can legislate on state subjects.
Visual Insights
Evolution of President's Rule in India
Timeline showing key events and amendments related to President's Rule in India.
Article 356 has been a subject of debate due to its potential for misuse. The S.R. Bommai case was a landmark judgment that sought to curb its arbitrary use.
- 1950Constitution of India adopted, including Article 356.
- 1951First use of President's Rule in Punjab.
- 1977Janata Government attempts to dissolve state assemblies ruled by Congress, but this is challenged.
- 1994S.R. Bommai case: Supreme Court limits the scope of Article 356.
- 2006Punchhi Commission recommends safeguards against misuse of Article 356.
- 2018President's Rule imposed in Jammu and Kashmir.
- 2019President's Rule imposed in Maharashtra.
- 2025President's Rule imposed in Manipur.
- 2026Discussions ongoing for government formation in Manipur.
Article 355 vs Article 356
Comparison of Article 355 (Duty of the Union to protect States) and Article 356 (President's Rule).
| Feature | Article 355 | Article 356 |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Duty of the Union to protect States against external aggression and internal disturbance. | Provision for President's Rule in case of failure of constitutional machinery in a State. |
| Trigger | External aggression or internal disturbance. | Report from Governor or President's own assessment of the failure of constitutional machinery. |
| Action | Union can take measures to protect the State. | President can impose President's Rule, suspending or dissolving the State legislature. |
| Scope | Proactive measure to maintain peace and security. | Reactive measure in response to a crisis. |
| Judicial Review | Limited scope for judicial review. | Subject to judicial review (S.R. Bommai case). |
Recent Developments
4 developmentsFrequent debates on the misuse of Article 356.
Calls for stricter guidelines to prevent its arbitrary use.
Supreme Court's role in reviewing the imposition of President's Rule.
Use of President's Rule in Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370.