Under the proclamation of President rule in a state under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, who effectively administers the state on behalf of the Union?

Introduction / Context:
This polity question deals with emergency provisions in the Indian Constitution, specifically Article 356, commonly known as President rule in a state. When such an emergency is proclaimed, normal state level democratic functioning is suspended. The question asks which authority then effectively administers the state.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The situation is declaration of emergency under Article 356 in a state.
- The options are Prime Minister, Chief Minister, Governor, Chief Justice of the High Court and Union Home Minister.
- We assume the standard constitutional arrangement where executive functions of the state government are assumed by the Union through the Governor.

Concept / Approach:
Under Article 356, if the President is satisfied that the governance of a state cannot be carried on in accordance with the Constitution, the President can assume to himself the functions of the state government. In practice, the Governor, as the representative of the President in the state, carries out administration. Therefore, exams often take the practical view that the Governor rules the state during President rule, subject to directions from the Union government.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Article 356 leads to President rule in a state. Step 2: Understand that the state council of ministers and Chief Minister are dismissed, so they no longer govern. Step 3: The Governor, who is appointed by the President, conducts administration in the state as the agent of the Union during this period. Step 4: Therefore, among the options, Governor is the correct choice.

Verification / Alternative check:
Another way to verify is to recall typical wording in newspapers when President rule is imposed. Reports usually mention that the Governor will now run the administration. The Prime Minister and Union Home Minister operate at the Union level and do not directly act as the head of the state administration, while the state Chief Minister loses office during President rule.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Prime Minister is wrong because the Prime Minister heads the Union government, not individual state administrations, even during emergencies.
Chief Minister is incorrect since the state ministry is dismissed when Article 356 is invoked.
Chief Justice of the High Court does not take over executive functions and therefore is not the correct answer.
Union Home Minister, although playing a role in recommending President rule, does not formally become the head of the state administration.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students may think that because it is called President rule, the President personally administers the state. Others may pick Prime Minister or Union Home Minister because they are powerful Union level authorities. The key is to remember the constitutional role of the Governor as the head of the state executive acting under instructions from the President.

Final Answer:
Thus, during President rule under Article 356, the state is effectively administered by the Governor acting on behalf of the Union government.