Question map
Not attempted Correct Incorrect ★ Bookmarked
Loading…
Q96 (IAS/2017) Polity & Governance › Federalism & Emergency Provisions › President's Rule provisions Official Key

Which of the following are not necessarily the consequences of the proclamation of the President's rule in a State ? 1. Dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly 2. Removal of the Council of Ministers in the State 3. Dissolution of the local bodies Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Result
Your answer: —  ·  Correct: B
Explanation

The correct answer is option B (1 and 3 only).

Under a Proclamation in case of failure of the constitutional machinery, the State Legislature would be suspended and the executive authority of the state would be assumed by the President in whole or in part.[1] However, the power to dissolve a Legislative Assembly can be exercised only after both Houses of Parliament approve the proclamation[2], making dissolution not an automatic consequence.

Regarding the Council of Ministers, the state governor, on behalf of the President, carries on the state administration with the help of the chief secretary of the state or the advisors appointed by the President[3], which implies the removal of the existing Council of Ministers is a necessary consequence of President's rule.

The dissolution of local bodies is not a necessary consequence of President's rule under Article 356, as this provision deals with the failure of state constitutional machinery and does not automatically extend to local government institutions. Therefore, items 1 (dissolution of State Legislative Assembly) and 3 (dissolution of local bodies) are NOT necessarily consequences, while item 2 (removal of Council of Ministers) IS a necessary consequence.

Sources
  1. [1] Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 28: EMERGENCY PROVISIONS > p. 417
  2. [2] https://legalaffairs.gov.in/sites/default/files/Article%20356%20of%20the%20Constitution.pdf
  3. [3] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 17: Emergency Provisions > Consequences of President's Rule > p. 179
How others answered
Each bar shows the % of students who chose that option. Green bar = correct answer, blue outline = your choice.
Community Performance
Out of everyone who attempted this question.
58%
got it right
PROVENANCE & STUDY PATTERN
Full view
Don’t just practise – reverse-engineer the question. This panel shows where this PYQ came from (books / web), how the examiner broke it into hidden statements, and which nearby micro-concepts you were supposed to learn from it. Treat it like an autopsy of the question: what might have triggered it, which exact lines in the book matter, and what linked ideas you should carry forward to future questions.
Q. Which of the following are not necessarily the consequences of the proclamation of the President's rule in a State ? 1. Dissolution of th…
At a glance
Origin: Mixed / unclear origin Fairness: Moderate fairness Books / CA: 6.7/10 · 0/10

This is a classic 'Concept Clarity' question testing the nuance between 'Suspension' vs 'Dissolution'. It rewards reading the fine print in Laxmikanth regarding the S.R. Bommai case guidelines. The key is distinguishing between the *automatic* effects (Dismissal of CoM) and the *conditional* effects (Dissolution of Assembly).

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, does proclamation of President's rule in a State necessarily cause dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 28: EMERGENCY PROVISIONS > p. 417
Presence: 5/5
“But under a Proclamation in case of failure of the constitutional machinery, the State Legislature would be suspended and the executive authority of the state would be assumed by the President in whole or in part. [[This is why it is popularly referred to as the imposition of the 'President's rule'.] (iii) Under a Proclamation of Emergency, Parliament can legislate in respect of State subjects only by itself; by under a Proclamation of the other kind, it can delegate its powers to legislate for the State-to the President or any other authority specified by him. (iv) In the case of a Proclamation of failure· of constitutional machinery, there is a maximum limitation to the power of Parliament to extend the operation of the Proclamation, namely, three years [Article 356(4), Proviso 1], but in the case of a Proclamation of Emergency, it may be continued for a period of six months by each resolution of the Houses of Parliament approving its continuance, so that if Parliament so approves, the Proclamation may be continued indefinitely as long as Use of the Power.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states that under a proclamation for failure of constitutional machinery the State Legislature would be suspended — highlighting 'suspended' as the outcome.
  • Distinguishes this proclamation from other emergencies, implying suspension (not automatic dissolution) is the usual effect.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 17: Emergency Provisions > Consequences of President's Rule > p. 179
Presence: 4/5
“The state governor, on behalf of the President, carries on the state administration with the help of the chief secretary of the state or the advisors appointed by the President. This is the reason why a proclamation under Article 356 is popular1y known as the imposition of 'President's Rule' in a state When the state legislature is thus suspended or dissolved: • L The Parliament can delegate the power to make laws for the state to the President or to any other authority specified by him/ her in this regard, • 2. The Parliament or in case of delegation, the President or any other specified authority can make laws conferring powers and imposing duties on the Centre or its officers and authorities, and”
Why this source?
  • Presents the consequences phrase 'when the state legislature is thus suspended or dissolved', indicating both outcomes are possible under President's Rule.
  • Treats suspension and dissolution as alternative consequences, so dissolution is not necessary in every case.
Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: FEDERALISM > Role of Governors and President's Rule > p. 166
Presence: 4/5
“Powers and role of the Governor become controversial for one more reason. One of the most controversial articles in the Constitution is Article 356, which provides for President's rule in any State. This provision is to be applied, when 'a situation has arisen in which the Government of the State cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.' It results in the takeover of the State government by the Union government. The President's proclamation has to be ratified by Parliament. President's rule can be extended till three years. The Governor has the power to recommend the dismissal of the State government and suspension or dissolution of State assembly.”
Why this source?
  • States the Governor can recommend 'suspension or dissolution of State assembly', explicitly listing both options.
  • Shows proclamation leads to takeover but that the assembly may be suspended rather than automatically dissolved.
Statement 2
Under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, does proclamation of President's rule in a State necessarily result in removal or dissolution of the State Council of Ministers?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: FEDERALISM > Role of Governors and President's Rule > p. 166
Presence: 4/5
“Powers and role of the Governor become controversial for one more reason. One of the most controversial articles in the Constitution is Article 356, which provides for President's rule in any State. This provision is to be applied, when 'a situation has arisen in which the Government of the State cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.' It results in the takeover of the State government by the Union government. The President's proclamation has to be ratified by Parliament. President's rule can be extended till three years. The Governor has the power to recommend the dismissal of the State government and suspension or dissolution of State assembly.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states Article 356 'results in the takeover of the State government by the Union government', implying the elected state executive is displaced.
  • Notes the Governor can recommend 'dismissal of the State government and suspension or dissolution of State assembly', which points to removal/suspension of the state executive.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 17: Emergency Provisions > Consequences of President's Rule > p. 179
Presence: 4/5
“The state governor, on behalf of the President, carries on the state administration with the help of the chief secretary of the state or the advisors appointed by the President. This is the reason why a proclamation under Article 356 is popular1y known as the imposition of 'President's Rule' in a state When the state legislature is thus suspended or dissolved: • L The Parliament can delegate the power to make laws for the state to the President or to any other authority specified by him/ her in this regard, • 2. The Parliament or in case of delegation, the President or any other specified authority can make laws conferring powers and imposing duties on the Centre or its officers and authorities, and”
Why this source?
  • Explains that under Article 356 the Governor carries on administration with the chief secretary or advisors appointed by the President, indicating executive functions are assumed by Centre-designated authorities rather than the State Council of Ministers.
  • Links proclamation to suspension/dissolution of the state legislature and delegation of law-making to Parliament/President, consistent with sidelining the State Cabinet.
Statement 3
Under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, does proclamation of President's rule in a State necessarily lead to dissolution of local bodies (municipalities and panchayats)?
Origin: Weak / unclear Fairness: Borderline / guessy
Indirect textbook clues
Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: FEDERALISM > Role of Governors and President's Rule > p. 166
Strength: 5/5
“Powers and role of the Governor become controversial for one more reason. One of the most controversial articles in the Constitution is Article 356, which provides for President's rule in any State. This provision is to be applied, when 'a situation has arisen in which the Government of the State cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.' It results in the takeover of the State government by the Union government. The President's proclamation has to be ratified by Parliament. President's rule can be extended till three years. The Governor has the power to recommend the dismissal of the State government and suspension or dissolution of State assembly.”
Why relevant

Says Article 356 results in takeover of the State government and that the Governor can recommend dismissal of the State government and suspension or dissolution of the State assembly.

How to extend

A student could combine this with the basic fact that local bodies are established under State law to ask whether Article 356's explicit effects on the state government/assembly necessarily extend to bodies created by state law.

Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 17: Emergency Provisions > Consequences of President's Rule > p. 179
Strength: 4/5
“The state governor, on behalf of the President, carries on the state administration with the help of the chief secretary of the state or the advisors appointed by the President. This is the reason why a proclamation under Article 356 is popular1y known as the imposition of 'President's Rule' in a state When the state legislature is thus suspended or dissolved: • L The Parliament can delegate the power to make laws for the state to the President or to any other authority specified by him/ her in this regard, • 2. The Parliament or in case of delegation, the President or any other specified authority can make laws conferring powers and imposing duties on the Centre or its officers and authorities, and”
Why relevant

Describes consequences when the state legislature is suspended or dissolved and that Parliament (or delegate) can make laws for the State during President's rule.

How to extend

One could infer that because Parliament can legislate for the State, dissolution/suspension of assembly does not automatically spell out what happens to subordinate institutions unless Parliament or the President acts.

Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 92: World Constitutions > 2018 TEST PAPER > p. 754
Strength: 3/5
“Whenever the Legislative Assembly is dissolved, the Speaker shall vacate his/ ber office immediately. Which of the statements given above is/ are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (e) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 • 8. If the President of India exercises his power as provided under Article 356 of the Constitution in respect of a particular State, then • (a) the Assembly of the State is automatically dissolved. • (b) the powers of the Legislature of that State shall be exercisable by or under the authority of the Parliament. • (c) Article 19 is suspended in that State. • (d) the President can make laws relating to that State.”
Why relevant

Contains a test-item style statement asking whether exercise of Article 356 means the State Assembly is automatically dissolved (implying this is a debatable/nuanced point).

How to extend

A student can use this to question automatic consequences of Article 356 and then check whether local bodies are similarly treated automatically or require specific action.

Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 28: EMERGENCY PROVISIONS > A. Proclamation of Emergency. > p. 416
Strength: 3/5
“The Proclamation in case of failure of the constitutional machinery differs from a Proclamation of 'Emergency' on the following points: (i) A Proclamation of Emergency may be made by the Articles 352 and 356 President only when the security of India or any part thereof is threatened by war, external aggression or armed rebellion. A Proclamation in respect of failure of the constitutional machinery may be made by the President when the constitutional government of State cannot be carried on for any reasons, not necessarily connected with war or armed rebellion. (ii) When a Proclamation of Emergency is made, the Centre shall get no power to suspend the State Government or any part thereof.”
Why relevant

Contrasts Proclamation under failure of constitutional machinery (Article 356) with other emergencies, noting differing powers and targets of proclamation.

How to extend

A student could extend this pattern to ask whether the specific scope of Article 356 (aimed at state constitutional machinery) implies it does not by default dissolve institutions not explicitly within that scope, such as local bodies.

Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 30: Governor > ISSUES IN THE GOVERNOR'S FUNCTIONING > p. 323
Strength: 2/5
“- to dissolution of the Legislative Assembly. The advice of a Chief Minister, enjoying majority support in the Assembly, is normally binding on the Governor. However, where the Chief Minister had lost such support, some Governors refused to dissolve the Legislative Assembly on his advice, while others in similar situations, accepted his advice, and dissolved the Assembly. • 5. In Recommending President's Rule: In a number of situations of political instability in the States, the Governors recommended President's rule under Article 356 without exhausting all possible steps under the Constitution to induct or maintain a stable government.”
Why relevant

Notes the Governor's actions in recommending President's Rule and that Governors have sometimes acted without exhausting constitutional steps (showing discretionary/variable practice).

How to extend

A student might infer that practice varies and therefore dissolution of other institutions (e.g., local bodies) may depend on specific recommendations or actions rather than an automatic rule.

Pattern takeaway: UPSC loves 'Negative Logic' questions ('Not necessarily'). This forces you to identify the *Definitive* feature (Removal of CoM) and use it to eliminate options.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Sitter (via Elimination) / Trap (via Wording). Source: Laxmikanth, Chapter on Emergency Provisions.
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Article 356 (President's Rule) vs Article 352 (National Emergency) consequences.
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: 1. S.R. Bommai Case (1994): Assembly is only *suspended* until Parliament ratifies. 2. Status of High Court: Remains independent (Art 356 proviso). 3. Local Bodies: Unaffected unless specific state laws are invoked. 4. Law-making: Parliament can delegate to President.
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: When studying Emergency provisions, create a 'Consequences Matrix': Executive (Dismissed?), Legislature (Suspended or Dissolved?), Judiciary (Touched?), Local Bodies (Touched?). The exam tests the *variable* outcomes.
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Suspension vs Dissolution under Article 356
💡 The insight

References repeatedly distinguish suspension and dissolution as distinct possible outcomes of a President's Rule proclamation.

High-yield for UPSC polity: clarifies a common exam trap about automatic dissolution. Links to questions on consequences of emergency provisions and administrative control of states. Master by comparing textual consequences and landmark usages in past instances.

📚 Reading List :
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 28: EMERGENCY PROVISIONS > p. 417
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 17: Emergency Provisions > Consequences of President's Rule > p. 179
  • Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: FEDERALISM > Role of Governors and President's Rule > p. 166
🔗 Anchor: "Under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, does proclamation of President's r..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Governor's role in recommending President's Rule and assembly dissolution
💡 The insight

Evidence shows the Governor can recommend dismissal of state government and suspension or dissolution of the assembly.

Important for understanding centre-state relations and controversies in appointment/dissolution decisions; helps answer questions on discretionary powers and checks on the Governor. Study gubernatorial discretion, recommendation process, and constitutional safeguards.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: FEDERALISM > Role of Governors and President's Rule > p. 166
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 30: Governor > ISSUES IN THE GOVERNOR'S FUNCTIONING > p. 323
  • Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 30: Governor > ISSUES IN THE GOVERNOR'S FUNCTIONING > p. 323
🔗 Anchor: "Under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, does proclamation of President's r..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Parliamentary ratification and temporal limits of President's Rule
💡 The insight

References note the President's proclamation must be ratified by Parliament and can be extended up to three years.

Crucial for questions on the procedure and limits of Article 356; ties into legislative oversight and federal safeguards. High-yield for both static theory and current affairs context; memorize ratification and extension rules and their implications.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: FEDERALISM > Role of Governors and President's Rule > p. 166
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 28: EMERGENCY PROVISIONS > p. 417
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 17: Emergency Provisions > Grounds of Imposition > p. 178
🔗 Anchor: "Under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, does proclamation of President's r..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Consequences of a Presidential Proclamation under Article 356
💡 The insight

References describe that Article 356 enables a Centre takeover, dismissal of state government, and suspension/dissolution of the state assembly — the core effects relevant to whether the Council of Ministers continues.

High-yield for UPSC as questions often ask about emergency provisions and their executive/legislative consequences; connects to federalism, Centre-State relations and constitutional safeguards. Mastering this helps answer effect-oriented questions and case-law/judicial review issues.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: FEDERALISM > Role of Governors and President's Rule > p. 166
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 17: Emergency Provisions > Consequences of President's Rule > p. 179
🔗 Anchor: "Under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, does proclamation of President's r..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Governor's role in recommending President's Rule
💡 The insight

Evidence notes the Governor can recommend dismissal of the State government, a critical procedural step before proclamation under Article 356.

Important for questions on constitutional office-holders' discretionary powers and their impact on state political stability; links to topics on misuse of Governor's powers and safeguards. Practise by mapping steps from recommendation to parliamentary ratification and consequences.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: FEDERALISM > Role of Governors and President's Rule > p. 166
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 30: Governor > ISSUES IN THE GOVERNOR'S FUNCTIONING > p. 323
🔗 Anchor: "Under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, does proclamation of President's r..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Grounds for and scope of Article 356 proclamations
💡 The insight

References state Article 356 empowers the President when a state government 'cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution', defining the ground for imposition.

Essential for answering 'when' and 'how' presidential rule may be imposed and for analysing legitimacy; ties into judicial review, Article 355 duty of the Centre, and differences from other emergencies. Practice by contrasting grounds and legal limits.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 17: Emergency Provisions > Grounds of Imposition > p. 178
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 28: EMERGENCY PROVISIONS > A. Proclamation of Emergency. > p. 416
🔗 Anchor: "Under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, does proclamation of President's r..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 Grounds and scope of Article 356 (President's Rule)
💡 The insight

Multiple references describe when the President may proclaim Rule — i.e., failure of constitutional machinery and the Centre's duty under Article 355/356.

High-yield for UPSC polity: clarifies legal trigger for central intervention, links to federalism and emergency provisions. Useful for questions on Centre–State relations, constitutional safeguards, and legal limits on executive power. Learn by mapping the article text to stated grounds and prevalent judicial scrutiny.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 17: Emergency Provisions > Grounds of Imposition > p. 178
  • Indian Constitution at Work, Political Science Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: FEDERALISM > Role of Governors and President's Rule > p. 166
🔗 Anchor: "Under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, does proclamation of President's r..."
🌑 The Hidden Trap

The Status of the High Court. The Proviso to Article 356(1) explicitly states that the President *cannot* assume the powers of the High Court or suspend constitutional provisions relating to it. This is the next logical trap.

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

The 'Definition Hack'. Removal of the Council of Ministers (Statement 2) is the *definition* of President's Rule (failure of constitutional machinery). Therefore, it is a *Necessary* consequence. The question asks what is **NOT** necessarily a consequence. Thus, any option containing Statement 2 is wrong. Eliminate A, C, and D. Answer is B.

🔗 Mains Connection

Federalism & Judicial Review (Mains GS2). The distinction between 'Suspension' and 'Dissolution' exists to allow Judicial Review before the irreversible death of the Assembly, a safeguard established by the Supreme Court in the *Bommai* judgment.

✓ Thank you! We'll review this.

SIMILAR QUESTIONS

CAPF · 2013 · Q87 Relevance score: -1.07

Consider the following statements regarding termination of sitting of a House : 1. Only the House of the People is subject to dissolution. 2. The powers of dissolution and prorogation are exercised by the President on the advice of the Council of Ministers. 3. The power to adjourn the daily sittings of the House of the People and the Council of States belongs to the Speaker and the Chairman respectively. 4. The Parliament cannot be dissolved as it is a permanent chamber. Which of the statements given above are correct?

NDA-II · 2008 · Q97 Relevance score: -1.24

Consider the following statements : 1. A bill pending in the Legislature of a State shall not lapse by reason of the propogation of the House or Houses thereof. 2. A bill pending in the Legislative Council of a State which has not been passed by the Legislative assembly shall not lapse on dissolution of the Assembly. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

NDA-I · 2012 · Q46 Relevance score: -2.35

Which of the statements given below is/are correct? 1. The Speaker immediately vacates his/her office whenever the State Legislative Assembly is dissolved. 2. No Member of a State Legislative Assembly shall be liable to any proceeding in any court in respect of anything said or any vote given by him/her in the legislature. Select the correct answer using the code given below : Code:

IAS · 1995 · Q17 Relevance score: -2.88

Which of the following are matters on which a constitutional amendment is possible only with the ratification of the legislatures of not less than one-half of the States ? I. Election of the President II. Representation of States in Parliament III. Any of the Lists in the 7th Schedule IV. Abolition of the Legislative Council of a State Choose the correct answer from the codes given below : Codes :

CDS-I · 2006 · Q30 Relevance score: -2.91

Which one of the following is not the correct statement ?