President’s Rule occurs when the central government takes control of a state because the state government fails to function as per the Constitution. Article 356 allows this.
Article 356 of the Indian Constitution allows the imposition of President’s Rule in a state. Know More
When is it imposed?
President’s Rule can be applied in situations like:
- No party is able to form a government in the state.
- A coalition breaks down and no leader can prove majority.
- The Chief Minister loses majority and cannot prove support.
- Elections are delayed due to emergencies (war, pandemic, etc.).
- The Governor reports that the state government is not working as per the Constitution.
What happens during President’s Rule?
- The Governor takes control of the state on behalf of the President.
- The state council of ministers is dissolved and the Chief Minister is removed.
- The state legislature (Vidhan Sabha) is either suspended or dissolved.
- The Governor may be helped by administrators (usually retired, non-political civil servants).
How long can it last?
- It starts for 6 months.
- Can be extended every 6 months for up to 3 years, but only if:
- A national emergency is in force, or
- The Election Commission says elections can’t be held.
President’s Rule is imposed in a state when the government cannot function as per constitutional norms. This may occur if no Chief Minister is elected, a coalition breaks down, the ruling party loses majority, elections are delayed due to emergencies, or the Governor reports constitutional failure. Beyond one year, extension requires a national emergency or a report from the Election Commission saying elections can’t be held.
If the Lok Sabha is dissolved, the rule continues for 30 days after the new Lok Sabha’s first sitting, with Rajya Sabha’s prior approval. Misuse was common until the Supreme Court’s 1994 S.R. Bommai judgment limited arbitrary imposition.
