Question

What are the circumstances for the President's rule?
A. State legislature is unable to elect a leader as Chief Minister
B. Breakdown of a coalition
C. Loss of majority in the assembly
D. All above

Answer 1

Hint: Under Article 356, the Union Government takes over when the State government fails to work along the lines of constitutional provisions. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar called it a ‘dead letter’, in his attempt to say it must be used sparingly.

Complete answer:
-During the President's rule, the Chief Minister's office is empty as the Council of Ministers are disbanded. It can last anywhere between 6 months to 3 years.

-Other circumstances where this can be imposed include suspension of elections and national emergencies.

-As this move does not require the approval of the Parliament, it has often been misused, especially during the Nehruvian era.

-In the meantime, to have state machinery function administrators are appointed who are neutral and retired civil servants.

The correct answer is option D.

Note: The only two states where it has not been imposed are Telangana and Chattisgarh. It is subject to legal review. The Sarkaria Commission (1988) and the S.R Bommai case (1994).