Extension of President’s Rule in Manipur

Source: TOI

Context: Parliament has approved a six-month extension of President’s Rule in Manipur, following its initial imposition in February 2025.

About Extension of President’s Rule in Manipur:

• What is President’s Rule? President’s Rule refers to direct central governance in a state under Article 356 of the Constitution when the constitutional machinery fails or the elected government cannot function as per constitutional norms.

• President’s Rule refers to direct central governance in a state under Article 356 of the Constitution when the constitutional machinery fails or the elected government cannot function as per constitutional norms.

• Constitutional Article Involved:

• Article 356: Authorises the President to assume control of a state’s administration upon the Governor’s report or otherwise. Article 365: Supports Article 356 when a State fails to comply with directions of the Union Government.

• Article 356: Authorises the President to assume control of a state’s administration upon the Governor’s report or otherwise.

• Article 365: Supports Article 356 when a State fails to comply with directions of the Union Government.

• How is it Imposed?

• A proclamation is issued by the President. Must be approved by both Houses of Parliament within 2 months by a simple majority. Once approved, the rule remains for 6 months, extendable up to 3 years in six-month blocks with Parliamentary approval.

• A proclamation is issued by the President.

• Must be approved by both Houses of Parliament within 2 months by a simple majority.

• Once approved, the rule remains for 6 months, extendable up to 3 years in six-month blocks with Parliamentary approval.

• Conditions for Renewal:

• Continued breakdown of constitutional machinery. Approval by both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha every 6 months. For extensions beyond 1-year, National Emergency must be in operation or the Election Commission must certify inability to hold elections.

• Continued breakdown of constitutional machinery.

• Approval by both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha every 6 months.

• For extensions beyond 1-year, National Emergency must be in operation or the Election Commission must certify inability to hold elections.

• Procedure for Revocation:

• Can be revoked anytime by the President. Usually withdrawn when a new government is elected or a viable legislative majority is formed.

• Can be revoked anytime by the President.

• Usually withdrawn when a new government is elected or a viable legislative majority is formed.

• Implications of President’s Rule:

• Governance shifts to the Centre, administered by the Governor on behalf of the President. State Assembly may be kept in suspended animation or dissolved. Often used during violent unrest, political deadlock, or collapse of majority. Judicial oversight post S.R. Bommai Case (1994) ensures it is not misused for political motives.

• Governance shifts to the Centre, administered by the Governor on behalf of the President.

• State Assembly may be kept in suspended animation or dissolved.

• Often used during violent unrest, political deadlock, or collapse of majority.

• Judicial oversight post S.R. Bommai Case (1994) ensures it is not misused for political motives.