Which Article of the Constitution of India specifically provides for the imposition of President's Rule in States, that is, for the proclamation of a State Emergency?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Article 356

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
President's Rule is a significant constitutional mechanism in India under which the Union government takes direct control of the administration of a State when the constitutional machinery in that State is deemed to have failed. This is sometimes called a State Emergency. The power to impose such a rule is specifically provided by one Article of the Constitution, and remembering its number is very important for Indian polity exams.


Given Data / Assumptions:
- The question asks for the Article related to President's Rule in States.- The options are Articles 356, 343, 51A and 80.- Only one of these Articles deals with State Emergency.


Concept / Approach:
Article 356 of the Constitution empowers the President to issue a proclamation assuming to himself the functions of the government of a State if he is satisfied that the government of the State cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. This is what is commonly referred to as President's Rule. Article 343 deals with the official language of the Union, Article 51A contains Fundamental Duties and Article 80 relates to the composition of the Rajya Sabha.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Article 356 is frequently mentioned in political debates about dismissal of State governments and the role of the Governor and President in such situations.Step 2: Article 343 is about the official language of the Union and has nothing to do with emergencies.Step 3: Article 51A lists the Fundamental Duties of citizens, again unrelated to President's Rule.Step 4: Article 80 deals with the composition and maximum strength of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha).Step 5: Therefore, the correct Article providing for President's Rule is Article 356.


Verification / Alternative check:
Many standard polity books discuss the misuse and judicial control of President's Rule under Article 356, especially after the S R Bommai judgment. If you remember reading about Article 356 in that context, it becomes an easy recall in the exam.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B (Article 343) is wrong because it addresses language policy, not emergencies.Option C (Article 51A) is wrong as it relates to Fundamental Duties, not State Emergency provisions.Option D (Article 80) is wrong because it only defines the composition of the Rajya Sabha and has no link with President's Rule.


Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse Article 356 (State Emergency) with Article 352 (National Emergency) or Article 360 (Financial Emergency). To avoid such mix ups, it is useful to form a mental map of emergency related Articles: 352 for National Emergency, 356 for State Emergency and 360 for Financial Emergency. Regular revision of these three together makes it easier to keep them distinct.


Final Answer:
Correct answer: Article 356

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