President's Rule Imposed In Manipur: What It Means? (image:x.com/rashtrapatibhvn)
New Delhi: The Centre on Thursday (February 13) imposed President’s Rule in Manipur. Four days after chief minister N. Biren Singh’s resignation, BJP has failed to find a consensus CM candidate. President Droupadi Murmu issued a proclamation under Article 356 of the Constitution, following a report from Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla.
President said in the order that she was satisfied that a situation had arisen that the “government of that State cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution of India.”
The decision came hours after both the Houses of Parliament adjourned to meet again on March 10 for the remainder of the Budget session. Meanwhile, the Manipur government in a statement said that the legislative assembly in the state will be “under suspended animation.”
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Article 356
President’s rule is imposed under the Article 356 of the Constitution of India. It transfers all the functions of the state government to the Centre and the function of the state legislature to Parliament during the period when the rule is in force. However, the operation of High Courts, remain unaffected.
The Governor undertakes the control of the state’s administration on behalf of the President, and takes the help of the chief secretary of the state or advisors appointed by the President. The Parliament passes the bills for the State and budget when the legislative assembly is suspended or dissolved under the President’s rule.
The duration of President’s rule stands for six months. The timeframe can be extended up to three years in phases. The continuation of the President’s rule has to be approved by the Parliament by a simple majority.
It can be revoked at any time by the President and it does not require Parliament’s approval. The President’s rule does not pose any threat to the fundamental rights of citizens.
President’s Rule in Manipur
Manipur is not new to experiencing President’s rule and the current one marks 11th time in State’s history. The first time Manipur encountered President’s Rule was from January 12 to March 19, 1967 – for 66 days. The longest period the State underwent President’s Rule was for 2 years and 157 days – from October 17, 1969 to March 22, 1972.
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President’s Rule Imposed In A State
President’s rule was first imposed in Punjab on June 20, 1951. As per the reports, President’s Rule has been imposed a total of 134 times across 29 states and Union Territories. Manipur and Uttar Pradesh witnessed it more in the terms of frequency, 10 times. But with this order, Manipur has surpassed UP. The most recent imposition of President’s Rule was in Puducherry when the Congress government lost power failing a vote of confidence in 2021. Jammu and Kashmir witnessed longest duration under President’s Rule, over 12 years. This situation largely stemmed from militant activity, and unstable law and order.
