President’s Rule imposed in Manipur days after CM’s exit

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Context & Background

Manipur has been witnessing ethnic violence for nearly two years, primarily between the Kuki–Zo and Meitei communities.

Relevance : GS 2(Governance ,Polity)

Over 250 people have been killed, and approximately 60,000 displaced since violence erupted on May 3, 2023.
Former CM N. Biren Singh resigned on February 9, 2025, after meeting Home Minister Amit Shah.

Constitutional Basis & Legal Implications

President Droupadi Murmu invoked Article 356 of the Constitution to impose President’s Rule (PR) in Manipur.
PR was imposed after Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla’s report stated that governance could not continue per constitutional provisions.
The Manipur Legislative Assembly is under “suspended animation“, meaning it is not dissolved but remains inactive.
Under Article 356(3), the proclamation must be approved by both Houses of Parliament within two months to remain in effect.

Key Takeaways

Security & Ethnic Tensions: Ongoing conflict remains unresolved, and instability persists.
Border & Immigration Concerns: Ex-CM linked the crisis to demographic changes and border policies.
Uncertain Future: PR can last up to six months, extendable with parliamentary approval. The future course depends on political resolution and security stabilization.

Constitutional Basis

Article 356 allows the President to impose President’s Rule (PR) in a state.
PR is imposed when the state government fails to function as per the Constitution.

Grounds for Imposition

Governor’s report states constitutional breakdown in the state.
State government defies Union government directives (Article 365).
Political instability, law and order failure, or inability to conduct elections.

Procedure

President issues a proclamation imposing PR.
Must be approved by both Houses of Parliament within two months (Article 356(3)).
If approved, PR lasts six months, extendable to three years with conditions.

Effects of President’s Rule

State government is dismissed; Governor takes over with Union government’s guidance.
State legislature is either dissolved or suspended (Manipur’s case: suspended animation).
Union government controls state administration via the Governor.
Laws for the state are made by Parliament.

Judicial Safeguards

S.R. Bommai Case (1994):
- PR is subject to judicial review.
- Governor’s report is not final and can be challenged.
- State Assembly cannot be dissolved immediately without parliamentary approval.

History of Imposition

First imposed in Punjab (1951).
Longest PR in J&K (2018-2019).
Manipur has seen PR multiple times (1967, 1973, 1979, 1992-95, 2025).

Issues & Concerns