11-03-2021 | 13:01 PM
President’s Rule in Puducherry
Context
The Union Cabinet has approved a proposal by the Home Ministry to dissolve the Puducherry Assembly and impose President’s rule in the Union Territory.
Key Highlights
The decision of imposing President’s rule came after the Congress-led government in the Union Territory lost power during a vote of confidence.
The decision was taken as no party came forward to stake claim to form the government following the resignation of the Chief Minister V Narayanasamy. Subsequently, Lieutenant-Governor recommends President’s Rule.
President’s Rule refers to the suspension of a state government and the imposition of direct rule of the Centre. The central government takes direct control of the state in question and the Governor becomes its constitutional head. The Vidhan Sabha is either dissolved or prolonged. Such a situation forces the Election Commission to conduct a re-election within 6 months.
Article 356 of the Constitution of India gives the President of India the power to impose President’s rule on a state on the advice of the Union Council of Ministers. There are some conditions that the President has to consider before imposing the rule:
If the President is satisfied that a situation has arisen in which the government of the state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
The state government is unable to elect a leader as chief minister within a time prescribed by the Governor of that state.
There's a breakdown of a coalition leading to the chief minister having a minority support in the House, and the CM fails to prove majority in the given period of time.
Loss of majority in the Assembly due to a vote of no-confidence in the House.
Elections postponed on account of situations like natural disasters, war or epidemic.
Proclamation of President’s Rule under Article 356 of the Constitution stands for six months. This timeframe can be extended up to three years, in phases.
The President's Rule can be revoked at any time by the President and this does not require Parliament's approval.
