UPSC CSE Prelims
President's Rule Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 2 — the powers of the Legislature of that State shall be exercisable by or under the authority of the Parliament.

When the President imposes President's Rule under Article 356 due to the breakdown of constitutional machinery in a state, the legislative powers of the state legislature are transferred to Parliament. Parliament becomes empowered to make laws for that state during this period, ensuring continuity of governance.

❌ Option 1 – Incorrect: The State Assembly is not automatically dissolved under Article 356; it can be kept in suspended animation or dissolved later through a separate proclamation.

✅ Option 2 – Correct: Article 356 explicitly provides that Parliament shall exercise the legislative powers of the state during President's Rule.

❌ Option 3 – Incorrect: Article 19 (fundamental rights like freedom of speech, movement) is not suspended under Article 356; such suspension occurs only during a National Emergency under Article 352.

❌ Option 4 – Incorrect: The President does not directly make laws; it is Parliament that exercises legislative powers for the state during President's Rule.

📝 Short Notes: Article 356 - President's Rule

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 2 — 1 and 3 only

When President's Rule is proclaimed under Article 356, the removal of the Council of Ministers is mandatory, but the dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly and local bodies are not automatic consequences. The Assembly may be kept in suspended animation or dissolved, and local bodies continue to function under constitutional provisions unless separately dissolved.

✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly is not mandatory; it may be dissolved or kept in suspended animation during President's Rule.

❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: Removal of the Council of Ministers is always a necessary consequence when President's Rule is imposed, as the Governor takes over executive functions.

✅ Statement 3 – Correct: Dissolution of local bodies is not an automatic consequence of President's Rule; they continue to function independently under the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments.