Manipur under President’s Rule since February 13, four days after CM N. Biren Singh resigned.
Reason: BJP, despite a majority, failed to find a consensus CM candidate.
Background: Ethnic violence in Manipur since May 2023; Singh faced criticism for handling the conflict.
Historic Context: This is the 11th time President’s Rule has been imposed in Manipur—the most for any state.
What is President’s Rule?
Provision under Article 356: Imposed when a state’s constitutional machinery fails.
Process:
Based on the Governor’s report or other inputs.
The President issues a Proclamation, transferring state government powers to the Centre.
The State Assembly’s powers are transferred to Parliament.
Approval & Duration:
Expires in 2 months unless ratified by both Houses.
Can be extended every 6 months, up to 3 years.
Post 1 year, extension is conditional (Emergency or Election Commission’s inability to conduct polls).
Supreme Court’s Bommai Judgment (1994):
President’s Rule can be judicially reviewed.
It can be struck down if found unconstitutional or misused.
Previous Instances of President’s Rule
Total Impositions: 135 times in 35 States/UTs.
First Instance: Punjab (1951) after CM Gopi Chand Bhargava resigned.
States with Most Instances:
Jammu & Kashmir: ~15 years in total.
Manipur: 11 times.
Uttar Pradesh: 10 times.
Historical Misuse:
1977: Morarji Desai dismissed 9 Congress-ruled states post-Congress defeat.
1980: Indira Gandhi retaliated, dismissing 9 non-Congress states.
Why is President’s Rule Less Frequent Now?
Bommai Judgment (1994): Allowed judicial review, making misuse difficult.
Decline in Frequency:
1950-1994: 100 times (~2.5 times/year).
1994-Present: 30 times (~1 time/year).
Since 2014 (Modi Govt.): 11 times; 2 struck down by courts (Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand).
Most Recent Before Manipur: Puducherry (2021).
What is Suspended Animation of a Legislature?
Manipur’s Assembly is not dissolved but kept under "suspended animation."
This means:
The Assembly can be revived later if a new government can be formed.
Prevents the need for immediate fresh elections.
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