Why in the News?

After Manipur CM N. Biren Singh resigned, President’s Rule was imposed on February 13 due to ethnic violence and the BJP’s failure to find a consensus CM candidate.

What are some previous instances of the imposition of President’s Rule?

• First Instance (1951 – Punjab): The first-ever imposition of President’s Rule was in Punjab (PEPSU state) in 1951 due to the collapse of the Gopi Chand Bhargava-led government.
• 1967 Political Crisis (Multiple States): After the Fourth General Elections, many states had unstable coalition governments. President’s Rule was imposed in states like West Bengal, Kerala, and Uttar Pradesh due to political instability.
• 1984 – Punjab (After Indira Gandhi’s Assassination): Following the assassination of Indira Gandhi, there were widespread riots and breakdown of law and order in Punjab. The state was placed under President’s Rule from 1983 to 1985 to handle the crisis.
• 1992 – Dismissal of BJP Governments (Post-Babri Masjid Demolition): After the demolition of Babri Masjid in December 1992, President’s Rule was imposed in Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, where BJP-led governments were in power.
• 2016 – Uttarakhand & Arunachal Pradesh (Judicial Review Cases): President’s Rule was controversially imposed in Uttarakhand and Arunachal Pradesh due to political instability, but the Supreme Court later revoked it, citing unconstitutional use of Article 356.

Why has it become less frequent?

• Judicial Review & Bommai Judgment (1994) – The S.R. Bommai vs Union of India case allowed judicial review of President’s Rule, enabling courts to strike down unconstitutional proclamations, deterring its misuse.
  • Example: Arunachal Pradesh (2016) – President’s Rule was imposed, citing a breakdown of constitutional machinery. The Supreme Court overturned the decision, ruling that the Governor’s actions were unconstitutional and reinstating the Congress-led government.
• Stricter Conditions for Extension – After one year of President’s Rule, extensions require either a national emergency or the Election Commission’s certification that elections cannot be held, making prolonged Central rule difficult.
  • For example, The Supreme Court’s judgment in the S.R. Bommai vs Union of India (1994) case established stricter conditions for extending President’s Rule beyond one year.
• Political & Legal Accountability – Increased coalition politics and judicial interventions have made it harder for the Union government to arbitrarily impose President’s Rule, ensuring greater stability and democratic governance in States.
  • Example: Uttarakhand (2016) – The Congress-led government faced internal rebellion, leading to the imposition of the President’s Rule. The High Court and Supreme Court struck it down, restoring the elected government.

What does it mean to keep a legislature in suspended animation?

• Temporary Suspension Without Dissolution – Keeping the legislature in suspended animation means that the state assembly is temporarily inactive but not dissolved during President’s Rule. This allows the possibility of reinstating the assembly if political stability is restored.
  • Example: In Manipur (2025), the state assembly was kept in suspended animation after the imposition of President’s Rule, instead of being dissolved.
• Governor Takes Over Legislative Functions – The powers of the legislature are transferred to the Governor or the Union government during this period, effectively sidelining the elected representatives.
  • Example: In Arunachal Pradesh (2016), the assembly was suspended, and the Governor was entrusted with the state’s administrative powers after the imposition of President’s Rule.
• Potential for Revival – The assembly can be revived if conditions improve and a popular government can be formed, allowing the political process to resume once the President’s Rule is revoked.
  • Example: In Jammu and Kashmir (2018-2019), the state assembly remained in suspended animation after the imposition of President’s Rule, waiting for a stable political situation before elections could take place.

Way forward: 

• Strengthening Federal Governance – To prevent the misuse of President’s Rule, it is essential to promote a more robust system of checks and balances, ensuring that any imposition of President’s Rule is transparent and justified, with clear guidelines for intervention.
• Reform of Political Stability Mechanisms – Encouraging political parties to form more stable coalitions and ensuring timely elections through institutional mechanisms will reduce the need for prolonged central intervention, preserving the autonomy of states while maintaining national integrity.

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