Question

With reference to the history of President's Rule in Kerala, which of the following statements is correct?

1. Kerala was the first state in India where President's Rule was imposed after the enactment of the Constitution.

2. The longest continuous period of President's Rule in Kerala was from 1964 to 1967.

3. President's Rule has been imposed in Kerala a total of 11 times, the most for any state in India.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 2 only
• C. 1 and 3 only
• D. 2 and 3 only

Answer 1

Answer:

B. 2 only

President's Rule in India

• President's Rule, also known as 'State Emergency' or 'Constitutional Emergency', is proclaimed under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution.

• It is imposed when the President is satisfied that a situation has arisen in which the government of a state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. This can be based on the report of the Governor of the state or otherwise.

President's Rule in Kerala: Addressing the Statements

• The statement that the longest continuous period of President's Rule in Kerala was from 1964 to 1967 is correct. This period lasted for approximately 1131 days (September 10, 1964, to March 6, 1967), following the collapse of the R. Sankar ministry.

• Regarding the first statement, Kerala was not the first state in India where President's Rule was imposed after the enactment of the Constitution. The first state to experience President's Rule was the Patiala and East Punjab States Union (PEPSU) in 1951.

• Concerning the third statement, President's Rule has been imposed in Kerala a total of 9 times, not 11 times. Moreover, Kerala does not hold the record for the most impositions. Manipur has experienced President's Rule the highest number of times (10 times), followed by Uttar Pradesh (9 times) and Kerala (9 times).

Key Facts for Competitive Exams

• The proclamation of President's Rule must be approved by both Houses of Parliament within two months from the date of its issue.

• Once approved, it remains in force for six months and can be extended for a maximum period of three years with parliamentary approval every six months.

• The Sarkaria Commission (1983), set up to examine Centre-State relations, recommended that Article 356 should be used only as a 'measure of last resort'.

• The landmark S.R. Bommai v. Union of India case (1994) significantly curtailed the arbitrary use of Article 356 by making the imposition of President's Rule subject to judicial review. The Supreme Court ruled that the material on which President's Rule is imposed must be relevant and can be scrutinized by the courts.

• During President's Rule, the President can assume to himself all or any of the functions of the State Government, and all or any of the powers vested in or exercisable by the Governor or any body or authority in the state.