President's Rule
The Centre's power to take over a state government when its constitutional machinery breaks down.
What the paper can ask
- Approved by both Houses, it lasts six months, renewable up to three years; beyond one year only in special conditions set by the 44th Amendment.
- First used in Punjab on 20 June 1951, then PEPSU in 1953; used about 134 times since 1950. (as of 23 Oct 2026)
- Manipur (10 times) and Uttar Pradesh (9) have seen it most often. (as of 23 Oct 2026)
- S. R. Bommai v Union of India (March 1994) restricted arbitrary impositions and allowed courts to review them.
- Manipur was under President's Rule from 13 February 2025 to 3 February 2026; it does not apply to Union Territories, where separate laws operate. (as of 23 Oct 2026)
Why exams ask
Setters ask the Article, the time limits, the Bommai case and the first and latest states placed under it.
The full story
President's Rule is the suspension of a state government and legislature by the President when the state cannot be run under the Constitution, usually on the Governor's report. Parliament must approve it; it then lasts six months at a time, up to three years, and beyond one year only if a national emergency is in force and the Election Commission certifies that elections cannot be held. The S. R.
Test yourself
1.'President's Rule' in a State is imposed under which Article of the Constitution?
Correct. Article 356 permits the President to assume the functions of a State government on a report of the Governor or otherwise, if the government cannot be carried on in accordance with the Constitution.
Not quite. Article 356 permits the President to assume the functions of a State government on a report of the Governor or otherwise, if the government cannot be carried on in accordance with the Constitution. It goes into your error book.
2.A proclamation of President's Rule under Article 356 must be approved by Parliament within
Correct. Article 356(3): the proclamation ceases after two months unless approved by both Houses; once approved it lasts six months at a time, normally up to three years.
Not quite. Article 356(3): the proclamation ceases after two months unless approved by both Houses; once approved it lasts six months at a time, normally up to three years. It goes into your error book.