Скачать или смотреть Day 4 - Polity ( President’s rule )

• Article 356 = President’s Rule
A constitutional emergency provision meant only for genuine breakdown of state machinery.

• Ambedkar’s Original View
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar believed Article 356 would remain a “dead letter” and almost never be used.

• How Misuse Started
After 1967, when non-Congress governments rose in states, Article 356 slowly became a political weapon instead of a safety valve.

• Indira Gandhi Era – Peak Misuse
• 1966–77: Article 356 used 50+ times.
• State govts dismissed for political reasons, not constitutional collapse.
• Centre used it to topple opposition-ruled states.
This became the worst phase of federal destabilisation.

• Tit-for-Tat Politics
1977: Janata Party removed Congress-ruled states.
1980: Indira returned and dismissed Janata-ruled states.
Article 356 became a tool to erase governments, not protect governance.

• Constitutional Correction – S.R. Bommai (1994)
Supreme Court imposed strict limits:
1. Governor’s report subject to judicial review
2. Majority must be tested on the Assembly floor
3. No arbitrary dismissals
This judgement saved Indian federalism.

• Today’s Status
Misuse has reduced significantly after Bommai, but concerns remain over political influence and Governor’s neutrality.

• Key Idea
Article 356 was designed as an emergency brake, but politics turned it into a shortcut to power.
Federalism survives because of judicial vigilance—not political restraint.