The President’s order, referenced as G.S.R. 134(E), cites the inability of the Manipur government to function in accordance with the Constitution.
TFM Report
President Droupadi Murmu issued a proclamation on Thursday under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, imposing President’s Rule in Manipur. This follows a report from the state’s Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla indicating a breakdown of constitutional governance.
This is the 11th time Article 356 of the Indian Constitution has been imposed in Manipur. The last President’s Rule in Manipur was imposed in the state was on June 2, 2001 and it lasted till March 6, 2002 (277 days).
The notification, published in The Gazette of India, effectively transfers all executive and legislative powers of Manipur to the central government, marking a significant escalation in federal intervention.
Key Details from the Proclamation
The President’s order, referenced as G.S.R. 134(E), cites the inability of the Manipur government to function in accordance with the Constitution. Key provisions include:
1. Assumption of Executive Power: The President has assumed all functions of the Manipur government and powers vested in the Governor. The Governor will now act as an intermediary to implement decisions on behalf of the President.
2. Parliament to Exercise Legislative Authority: The Manipur Legislative Assembly’s powers stand suspended, with Parliament authorized to legislate for the state.
3. Suspension of Constitutional Provisions: Critical articles related to state governance have been suspended, including:
– Articles 163 & 164: Bars the functioning of the Council of Ministers and the Chief Minister.
– Articles 174–178: Suspends the Governor’s authority to summon, prorogue, or dissolve the Assembly.
– Articles 188–198: Nullifies legislative procedures, privileges of lawmakers, and financial powers.
– Articles 208–211: Disables rules of procedure for the Assembly and privileges of its members.
– Provisions linked to gubernatorial-legislative interactions*, including reporting mechanisms for audits and bills.
Legal Basis and Implications
Article 356, often termed “President’s Rule,” allows the central government to take direct control of a state during constitutional crises. Historically contentious, its use requires parliamentary approval within two months. The current proclamation will be tabled before both Houses of Parliament for ratification.
The order also redefines legal frameworks:
– References to the “Governor” in constitutional texts will now apply to the President.
– Central laws passed for Manipur during this period will be treated as state legislation.
Context and Reactions
While the proclamation does not specify the immediate trigger, President’s Rule is typically invoked amid political instability, governance failures, or security emergencies. Manipur has faced prolonged ethnic tensions and administrative challenges in recent years, though the Governor’s report remains undisclosed.
Political analysts speculate the move could intensify debates about federal overreach. Opposition leaders have previously criticized the ruling party for using Article 356 for political gains.
This decision follows Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh’s resignation on February 9 and the controversial nullification of a critical Assembly session by Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, actions widely perceived as manoeuvres by the BJP-led central government to avoid a no-confidence motion against Singh’s administration.
Background and Trigger
Singh’s resignation came amid escalating ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, unresolved drug trafficking issues, and deepening fissures within the state BJP unit. His tenure, which began in 2022, faced relentless criticism for failing to address communal tensions, leading to over 200 deaths and 60,000 displacements. Despite Singh’s resignation, Governor Bhalla retained him as caretaker Chief Minister while declaring the 7th Session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly “null and void” under Article 174(1) of the Constitution. This move blocked dissenting MLAs, including 10 Kuki-Zo legislators, from tabling a no-confidence motion.
Next Steps
Parliament must now approve the proclamation. Meanwhile, the Manipur bureaucracy will function under the President’s authority via the Governor. The suspension of legislative processes halts pending bills and debates, effectively freezing the state’s democratic machinery until the President feels normalcy is restored.
This is the first instance of President’s Rule imposed in India since 2021 and the first under President Murmu’s tenure. Constitutional experts emphasize that prolonged central rule could deepen public discontent unless paired with efforts to address root causes of the crisis.
Article 356 has been invoked over 100 times since independence, though its use declined after the 1994 S.R. Bommai v. Union of India Supreme Court judgment, which restricted arbitrary imposition. Manipur last faced President’s Rule in 2001 amid insurgency-related unrest.