Explained | President’s Rule in Manipur: When and why it's imposed, how it works

President's rule was imposed in strife-torn Manipur on Thursday and the state assembly was put under suspended animation, days after Chief Minister N Biren Singh resigned from his post that led to political uncertainty in the northeastern state.

The Manipur assembly, which has a tenure till 2027, has been put under suspended animation, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Singh, who was heading the BJP government in Manipur, resigned as chief minister after nearly 21 months of ethnic violence that has claimed over 250 lives so far.

He resigned on February 9 and submitted his resignation to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla in Imphal, hours after his meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah here.

Here is all you need to know about the President's rule

Under Article 355 of the Constitution, the Union is obligated "to protect every State against external aggression and internal disturbance and to ensure that the government of every State is carried on in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution". How the Union has to perform its duties to ensure that the governance is carried out in accordance with the Constitution is given in Article 356, which has the marginal heading: "Provisions in case of failure of constitutional machinery in States".

President's rule in India is imposed under the powers provided by Article 356 of the Constitution.

As per clause 1 of the Article, upon receiving a report from the Governor of the state, or otherwise, if the President of India is satisfied that a situation has arisen in the state due to which the state government cannot be carried on, he/she can assume all or any functions of the state government or any powers vested in the Governor of the state. Under this clause, the President may by proclamation even declare that the powers of the state legislature can be exercised by or under the authority of the Parliament.

Under this, the President may also make necessary incidental provisions, that may include "suspending in whole or in part the operation of any provisions of this Constitution relating to any body or authority in the State."

However, the President is not authorised to take over any of the powers vested in the high court of the state.

The president has the power to take any or all of the three steps mentioned above.

What is the President's stance on Manipur?

The decision to impose the central rule was taken after the governor sent a report to President Droupadi Murmu.

"After considering the report and other information received by me, I am satisfied that a situation has arisen in which the government of that state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of India," the notification said.

It further said: "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 the that state".

The notification said powers of the legislature of the state shall be exercisable by or under the authority of Parliament.

It also said any reference in the Constitution to the governor shall, in relation to Manipur be construed as a reference to the President.

History of Article 356

Article 356 is inspired by section 93 of the Government of India Act, 1935, which provided that if the governor of a province is convinced that the government of the province could not be carried on per the provisions of the said act, he could assume all or any powers of the provincial body or authority and discharge functions as per his discretion. However, under this act, the Governor was not allowed to encroach upon the powers of the High Court.

(With PTI inputs)

Explained | President’s Rule in Manipur: When and why it's imposed, how it works

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