President Rule in Manipur 2025

By Deeksha Srivastava
President Rule in Manipur 2025

Introduction

In accordance with Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, the Center suspended the state assembly and imposed the president rule in Manipur following the resignation of the chief minister.

How President Rule in Manipur Can Help in Resolving Conflict? 

  • Neutral Administration: Allegations of discriminatory management of ethnic conflict would be eliminated under central administration, safeguarding the Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups. Central forces under the direction of the governor can keep the state’s law and order and avoid ethnic conflicts.
  • Electoral Stability: Resolves internal conflicts inside the ruling party, preventing the deterioration of government.
  • Rehabilitation: Provides 60,000 displaced persons in camps with equitable aid and rehabilitation over more than 20 months.

What is the President Rule? 

In India, the term “President’s Rule” describes the suspension of a state government and the establishment of direct federal government control over a state. The Indian Constitution’s Article 356 describes this clause. It is used when the President of India decides that a state’s government cannot be carried out in conformity with the Constitution, based on the Union Cabinet’s recommendation.

What are the Key Aspects of President Rule?

  • Grounds for Imposition
    • Failure of constitutional machinery in the state (e.g., breakdown of law and order, political instability, or inability to form a government).
    • Non-compliance with directions from the central government.
  • Process
    • The President, on the advice of the central government, issues a proclamation.
    • The state legislature is either suspended or dissolved, and the Governor administers the state on behalf of the President.
    • The proclamation must be approved by both houses of Parliament within two months.
  • Duration
    • Initially valid for six months.
    • Can be extended for up to three years with parliamentary approval every six months.
  • Parliamentary Approval
    • Within two months, both Houses of Parliament must ratify a declaration of President’s Rule.
    • If President Rule is proclaimed at the time of the Lok Sabha’s dissolution or if the Lok Sabha dissolves within two months without confirming the proclamation, it will continue in effect for 30 days following the next Lok Sabha session, as long as the Rajya Sabha gives its approval before then.
    • A simple majority in Parliament—that is, the majority of parliamentarians present and voting—is needed to approve or prolong the President’s Rule.

What is the Supreme Court’s Stand on Imposition of President Rule? 

The Supreme Court of India has often underlined that the imposition of the President’s Rule (under Article 356 of the Constitution) is a last resort that ought to be employed only in dire situations where a state’s constitutional apparatus has manifestly failed. The Court has established a number of guidelines to stop this clause from being abused for political ends.

  • S.R. Bommai Case (1994)
    • The landmark judgment in S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994) is the most significant ruling on the imposition of President’s Rule. The Supreme Court held that the power under Article 356 is not absolute and is subject to judicial review.
    • The Court ruled that the imposition of President’s Rule must be based on objective material and not on the subjective satisfaction of the central government.
    • The state government’s majority cannot be tested outside the legislative assembly, and the floor of the assembly is the only appropriate place to prove a majority.
    • The Court also stated that the dissolution of the state legislative assembly should not take place until the proclamation is approved by Parliament.
  • Rameshwar Prasad v. Union of India (2006)
    • The dissolution of the Bihar Assembly (2005) was declared unconstitutional as it was done without conducting a floor test.
    • The Court ruled that dissolving an assembly based on mere assumptions of instability is unconstitutional.

What are the Recommendations Regarding Imposition of President Rule? 

  • Sarkaria Commission (1983)
    • Article 356 should be used sparingly and only as a last resort.
    • A floor test should be conducted in the State Assembly before recommending President’s Rule to verify whether the government has lost its majority.
    • The Governor should give the state government a chance to rectify the constitutional breakdown before recommending dismissal.
    • The President should explain the reasons for imposing President’s Rule in Parliament.
    • Judicial Review should be allowed, and courts should have the power to examine whether Article 356 was imposed constitutionally.
  • Punchhi Commission (2007)
    • Article 356 should not be used for political gains, and clear guidelines should be established for its implementation.
    • Instead of imposing President’s Rule, the Centre should try other alternatives, such as giving warnings or financial assistance to struggling state governments.
    • The Governor should not act arbitrarily and must provide a detailed report before recommending President’s Rule.
    • Any imposition of President’s Rule should be subject to discussion and approval by both Houses of Parliament.
    • If elections cannot be conducted within six months, an explanation should be given for the delay.
  • National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC) (2000)
    • Article 356 should be amended to include a set of clear conditions under which it can be invoked.
    • The Governor should act fairly and not under political pressure.
    • Alternatives to President’s Rule should be explored first, such as giving the state time to rectify governance failures.

Conclusion

The imposition of President Rule in Manipur in 2025, following the state assembly’s suspension, aims to restore governance amidst internal turmoil. This measure promises neutral administration, electoral stability, and rehabilitation for displaced persons. However, its efficacy hinges on adherence to constitutional principles and judicial scrutiny, as outlined by the Supreme Court and various commissions. Striking a balance between federal intervention and state autonomy remains crucial for sustainable resolution of conflicts.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

  • How long can president rule be extended?

    3 Year’s

  • In which year did British rule in Manipur?

    1891

  • What is the difference between emergency and president rule?

    Article 352: National Emergency, often known as an emergency brought on by war, foreign attack, or armed revolt. Article 356: Emergency as a result of the states’ constitutional apparatus failing. This is commonly referred to as the President’s rule. ‘State emergency’ and ‘Constitutional emergency’ are other names for it.

  • How can president rule be revoked?

    A later proclamation by the President may rescind the President’s Rule at any time after it has been issued. The Parliament does not need to approve a proclamation of revocation.

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