UPSC Prelims 2017 Q96: Indian Polity – Emergency Provisions
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:
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 1 and 3 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only
Explanation
Consequences of President's rule in a State (Article 356)
The question asks what does not necessarily follow.
| Consequence | Necessarily follows? | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly | No | The Assembly may be suspended or dissolved |
| 2. Removal of the Council of Ministers in the State | Yes | The President takes over the executive; the Ministers go |
| 3. Dissolution of the local bodies | No | Panchayats and Municipalities keep working |
So the answer is 1 and 3.
Key rules:
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Approval | By both Houses of Parliament within two months |
| Duration | Six months at a time; maximum three years |
| S.R. Bommai case (1994) | The Assembly should not be dissolved before Parliament approves the proclamation |
Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Removal of the Council of Ministers is a necessary consequence.
- (b) CORRECT. The Assembly may only be suspended, and local bodies are not affected.
- (c) Incorrect. The Council of Ministers necessarily goes; the Assembly need not.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 always follows a proclamation of President's rule.
Key point
President's rule (Article 356): Council of Ministers is dismissed; Assembly is suspended or dissolved; local bodies continue. Bommai (1994) limits dissolution.
Remember
President's rule: Ministers go; Assembly may only be suspended.
Common mistakes
- Missing the phrase 'not necessarily' and marking what does happen.
- Assuming the Assembly is always dissolved under President's rule.
- Thinking local bodies fall with the State government.
Exam tip
Underline 'not necessarily' in the question. The certain consequence is the wrong choice here.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Article 356
- S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (Supreme Court of India, 1994)