President's Rule in Manipur
Since February 2025, Manipur has been under President's Rule, following an imposition due to the deteriorating security situation and political developments. A delegation of 10 MLAs recently advocated for the formation of a viable government. The assembly, with its term ending in March 2027, remains in suspended animation.
Constitutional Provisions and Article 356
- Article 356 allows the President to take over the governance of a state when its constitutional machinery fails.
- President's Rule is proclaimed based on the Governor's report or failure to comply with Union directives (Article 365).
- Parliament must approve such a proclamation within two months by a simple majority.
- Once approved, the Rule lasts six months, extendable up to three years with periodic parliamentary approvals.
Historical Context and Judicial Oversight
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar hoped Article 356 would remain unused, but it has been frequently misapplied.
- Misuse often involved removing majority-supported governments for political reasons.
- The Supreme Court's S. R. Bommai case (1994) restricted misuse, setting conditions for its imposition.
- The judiciary now ensures Article 356 is not arbitrarily applied, with notable interventions in Bihar (2005), Uttarakhand (2016), and Arunachal Pradesh (2016).
Governor's Role and Legislative Assembly Dissolution
- The Governor's decision to dissolve the Assembly has varied, often driven by political expediency rather than constitutional principles.
- Cases in Kerala (1970) and Punjab (1971) saw dissolution on the advice of a Chief Minister without clear majority support.
- Conversely, similar situations in other states led to attempts to form alternative Ministries.
Way Forward
With the assembly’s term active until March 2027, establishing a government with broad societal support in Manipur is crucial. This avoids prolonged central rule and encourages democratic governance.
