“Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by Article 356 of the Constitution, and of all other powers enabling me in that behalf, I hereby proclaim that I – assume to myself as President of India all functions of the Government of the State of Manipur and all powers vested in or exercisable by the Governor of that State.”
![[BREAKING] President's Rule Imposed in Manipur After CM N Biren Singh Resigns](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/murmu-scaled-1.jpg?resize=820%2C547&ssl=1)
President’s Rule has been imposed in Manipur on Thursday (13th Feb), just four days after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned from his post. The resignation comes nearly 21 months after ethnic violence erupted in the state, leading to the deaths of more than 250 people and the displacement of thousands.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a notification stating that President Droupadi Murmu believes “a situation has arisen in which the government of that state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.”
Due to this, the central government decided to take direct control of the state’s administration.
As per the notification, the President has used her powers under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution to take over the state’s governance. The official statement reads:
“Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by Article 356 of the Constitution, and of all other powers enabling me in that behalf, I hereby proclaim that I – assume to myself as President of India all functions of the Government of the State of Manipur and all powers vested in or exercisable by the Governor of that State.”
Additionally, the Manipur Legislative Assembly has been put under suspended animation, meaning that it cannot function or make decisions until further orders.
BACKGROUND
Manipur has been facing intense ethnic violence since May 2023, mainly between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The clashes have resulted in over 250 deaths and forced thousands of people to leave their homes. Despite various efforts, the state government struggled to restore normalcy.
The resignation of N Biren Singh was seen as a step to address the ongoing crisis, but after his exit, the situation did not improve, leading to the imposition of President’s Rule.
![[BREAKING] President's Rule Imposed in Manipur After CM N Biren Singh Resigns](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Manipur-violence_-Supreme-Court-to-examine-whistleblower-tapes-against-CM.jpeg?resize=600%2C338&ssl=1)
Under President’s Rule, the state will be governed directly by the central government. The President, through the Governor of Manipur, will oversee the administration. No new laws or decisions can be made by the assembly unless approved by the central government.
Elections will have to be held at an appropriate time to restore an elected government in Manipur.
Parliamentary Approval for President’s Rule
A proclamation imposing President’s Rule must receive approval from both Houses of Parliament within two months from the date of its issuance.
- If the Lok Sabha is dissolved before approving the proclamation or is dissolved during the two-month period, the proclamation remains valid for 30 days from the first sitting of the newly elected Lok Sabha, provided the Rajya Sabha has already approved it.
Duration of President’s Rule
- Once approved by Parliament, President’s Rule is initially imposed for six months.
- It can be extended for a maximum period of three years, subject to Parliament’s approval every six months.
- If the Lok Sabha is dissolved during this period before approving its continuation, the proclamation remains valid for 30 days after the first sitting of the reconstituted Lok Sabha, provided the Rajya Sabha approves it in the meantime.
44th Constitutional Amendment Act (1978)
To prevent misuse, the 44th Amendment introduced two conditions for extending President’s Rule beyond one year:
- A National Emergency must be in effect either in the entire country or in the specific state.
- The Election Commission of India (ECI) must certify that elections to the state’s Legislative Assembly cannot be held due to specific difficulties.
Revocation of President’s Rule
The President can revoke a proclamation of President’s Rule at any time through a subsequent proclamation, without requiring parliamentary approval.
Consequences of President’s Rule
When President’s Rule is imposed, the President gains extraordinary powers regarding the concerned state.
Impact on the State Executive
- The State Council of Ministers, led by the Chief Minister, is dismissed.
- The Governor, acting on behalf of the President, administers the state with the assistance of the Chief Secretary or advisors appointed by the President.
- This is why the imposition of Article 356 is commonly referred to as “President’s Rule.”
Impact on the State Legislature
- The State Legislative Assembly is either suspended or dissolved.
- The Parliament assumes the legislative powers of the State Assembly, including passing state bills and approving the state budget.
- The President can issue ordinances for the state when Parliament is not in session.
- If the assembly is dissolved or suspended, Parliament gains additional powers, such as:
- Delegating law-making authority for the state to the President or a designated authority.
- Enacting laws that impose duties or confer powers on the Central government.
- Authorizing the use of funds from the Consolidated Fund of the State pending Parliament’s approval.
- Laws made under President’s Rule remain valid even after the rule is lifted unless repealed or amended by the new State Legislature.
Impact on the State Judiciary
- The President cannot assume the powers of the High Court or suspend constitutional provisions related to it.
- The status, powers, and functions of the State High Court remain unaffected.
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