How is President’s Rule Imposed in a State?

Protest Against President’s Rule in Manipur:

• On May 27, 2025, women staged protests in Imphal West, Manipur, opposing the imposition of President’s Rule in the state since February 2025.

• The protesters demanded the restoration of a democratically elected government and expressed concerns over governance under President’s Rule.

Delegation Meets Governor:

• A group of 10 MLAs from the Manipur Assembly recently met the state’s Governor.

• They requested the formation of a viable government, highlighting the need for a leadership that enjoys confidence across diverse sections of the state’s society.

• How is President’s Rule Imposed in a State?

  President’s Rule is imposed in a state under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution when the governance of the state cannot be carried on in accordance with constitutional provisions. Below is the step-by-step process:

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  1. Grounds for Imposition

  • The President can impose President’s Rule if:

    • The Governor of the state submits a report recommending its imposition.

    • There is a failure of the constitutional machinery in the state.

    • The state government fails to comply with or give effect to directives issued by the Union government under Article 365.

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  2. Proclamation by the President

  • The President issues a proclamation declaring that the governance of the state will be taken over by the Union government.

  • This proclamation includes:

    • Taking over executive powers of the state by the President.

    • Dissolution or suspension of the state legislature (Legislative Assembly).

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  3. Parliamentary Approval

  • The proclamation must be approved by both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) within two months by a simple majority.

  • If not approved within this timeframe, the proclamation ceases to operate.

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  4. Duration of President’s Rule

  • Once approved, President’s Rule can last for six months from the date of the proclamation.

  • It can be extended further by six months at a time, with parliamentary approval.

  • Maximum duration: Three years, provided the following conditions are met for extensions beyond one year:

    • A national emergency is in force.

    • The Election Commission certifies that general elections to the Legislative Assembly cannot be held.

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  5. Role of the Governor

  • The Governor plays a crucial role, as their report is often the basis for invoking Article 356.

  • They may highlight issues such as:

    • The inability of the state government to function effectively.

    • A breakdown in law and order.

    • Political instability or the loss of majority by the ruling party.

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  6. Revocation of President’s Rule

  • President’s Rule can be revoked at any time by another proclamation by the President.

  • Typically, it is revoked when:

    • Fresh elections are conducted, and a new government is formed.

    • An alternative government is established within the existing assembly.

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  Judicial Safeguards

  • As per the S. R. Bommai case (1994), the imposition of President’s Rule is subject to judicial review to prevent misuse.

  • The court clarified that President’s Rule should be imposed only in cases of constitutional breakdown, not merely administrative or political issues.

  President’s Rule is a mechanism intended as a last resort to maintain constitutional governance in states but requires careful and judicious application to uphold federal principles.