NEWS – On July 31, 2025, the Lok Sabha passed a Statutory Resolution to extend President’s Rule in Manipur for another six months.

HIGHLIGHTS

Constitutional Provisions and Grounds

• Article 356: Allows President’s Rule when the constitutional machinery fails in a state.
• Article 365: Triggered when a state fails to comply with directions of the Union.
• Article 355: Imposes a duty on the Centre to protect states from internal disturbance and ensure constitutional governance.

Mechanism and Duration

• Approval: Must be ratified by both Houses of Parliament within two months.
• Duration: Initially for six months; extendable up to three years with Parliamentary approval every six months.
• Beyond one year: Allowed only if:
  • A National Emergency is in operation.
  • ECI certifies that elections cannot be held.

Governance Implications

• State Executive: Council of Ministers dismissed; administration run by Governor or Presidential appointees.
• State Legislature: Assembly suspended/dissolved; Parliament enacts laws and passes budgets.
• State Judiciary: High Court remains unaffected; judicial independence retained.