President's Rule in India

Choose the Correct Answer

Correct Answer : Option b

Explanation
Context: The President's Rule under Article 356 was imposed in Manipur on 13 February 2025, following the resignation of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and the inability of any political party to form a government.
President's Rule in India refers to the suspension of a state government and the imposition of direct rule by the Central Government through the office of the Governor. It is governed primarily by Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, which allows the President of India to assume control of a state's administration if the state government is unable to function according to constitutional provisions.

Statement 1 is not correct: The imposition of President's Rule in Punjab, starting on June 20, 1951, marked the first use of Article 356 in India. The central government stepped in to restore order and prepare for fresh elections, which were subsequently held in 1952, allowing democratic governance to resume under a new Chief Minister.

Statement 2 is correct: Under President's Rule, also known as Article 356, the elected Council of Ministers is dissolved, and the Chief Minister’s office is vacated. The administration of the state is taken over by the Governor, who governs the state directly, and the state legislature is either dissolved or suspended.

Statement 3 is correct: President's Rule has been proclaimed 11 times in Manipur as of February 2025, making it the state with the highest number of such impositions in India123. The most recent instance occurred on 13 February 2025 following Chief Minister N. Biren Singh's resignation amid ongoing ethnic violence.