Article 356 and President's Rule
Article 356 of the Constitution empowers the President to assume the functions of a state government if satisfied, on the basis of a Governor's report or otherwise, that a situation has arisen in which the government of a state cannot be carried on in accordance with constitutional provisions. It falls under Part XVIII (Emergency Provisions), alongside Article 352 (National Emergency) and Article 360 (Financial Emergency).
- A proclamation under Article 356 must be approved by both Houses of Parliament by simple majority within two months of issuance.
- Once approved, it remains in force for six months at a time and can be extended up to a maximum of three years, a ceiling introduced by the 44th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1978.
- Extension beyond one year is permitted only if a National Emergency is already in operation, or the Election Commission certifies that elections to the state assembly cannot be held.
- Effects: the President assumes executive powers of the state, the state legislature is dissolved or kept in suspended animation, and Parliament makes laws for the state (with the President authorised to delegate this to state legislature-equivalent bodies or officials).
● Tracked since May 09, 2026 · last seen September 02, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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