Daily News Analysis ‘Article 356 and Imposition of President’s Rule ‘ : 3 June

What is President’s Rule (Article 356)?

• Article 356 allows the President to take over State governance if it cannot be carried out in accordance with the Constitution.
• Invoked based on the Governor’s report or failure of the State to follow Union directions (Article 365).
• The Proclamation must be approved by both Houses of Parliament within 2 months.
• Once approved, it is valid for 6 months, extendable up to a maximum of 3 years (in 6-month increments).

Constitutional Safeguards and Judicial Role:

• S.R. Bommai Case (1994) is a landmark:
  • Judicial review of Article 356 allowed.
  • President’s Rule can’t be used for political gains.
  • Assembly must not be dissolved before Parliament’s approval — only suspended.
• Courts struck down misuse in cases like Bihar (2005), Uttarakhand (2016), Arunachal Pradesh (2016).

Revocation of President’s Rule:

• Revoked after elections or if a viable government is formed in the existing assembly.
• In Manipur, with over 18 months of Assembly tenure remaining, forming a government with legislative and societal support is advisable

Why in News?

•  Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February 2025 due to a deteriorating security situation; recently, 10 MLAs met the Governor seeking government formation.