President's Rule in Manipur: SCLHR's Postcard

The Background

On February 13, 2025, the Indian government imposed President's Rule in Manipur following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on February 9, amid escalating ethnic violence that resulted in over 250 deaths and displaced thousands since 2023. The imposition was based on a report from the state's Governor, indicating a breakdown of constitutional machinery due to the ongoing unrest.

The Impact

Central Oversight: The state's executive authority is transferred to the President, with the Governor acting on behalf of the Union government.

Legislative Suspension: The state legislative assembly is either dissolved or suspended, and Parliament assumes the authority to legislate for the state.

Duration: Initially valid for six months, the President's Rule can be extended with parliamentary approval every six months, up to a maximum of three years. Extensions beyond one year require the presence of a national emergency or certification from the Election Commission that elections cannot be conducted in the state as per article 356(5) added by the 44th Amendment Act, 1978. Before the 44th Amendment, the President’s Rule could continue for up to three years without restrictions.

Point of View: Why is this not constitutionally Viable

The Supreme Court of India, in the landmark S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994) case, established that the President's satisfaction under Article 356 is subject to judicial review. The Court emphasized that such proclamations must not be based on irrelevant or extraneous grounds and that the power conferred by Article 356 should be used sparingly to preserve the federal structure of the Constitution. Internationally, federal systems like the United States have provisions for federal intervention in state matters under specific circumstances. For instance, the U.S. federal government has historically intervened in state affairs to enforce civil rights and maintain public order. However, such interventions are typically accompanied by stringent judicial oversight to prevent abuse of power and to uphold the autonomy of state governments. The principle of federalism is central to India's governance framework. The frequent invocation of President's Rule in Manipur —this being the 11th instance since its statehood in 1972—highlights the challenges in maintaining stable governance in the region. While Article 356 serves as a constitutional mechanism to address governance crises, its repeated application in Manipur underscores the need for a more sustainable political solution that addresses the underlying causes of instability. The central government's intervention, though constitutionally sanctioned, must be exercised with caution to respect the federal structure and autonomy of states. Ensuring that such interventions are based on objective assessments and are free from political motivations.