Indian Polity / Governor — UPSC Mains Model Answer

The proclamation of President's Rule is typically based on the Governor's report to the President, making the Governor the primary constitutional link between State conditions and Central action. However, the President can also act on independent information, making the Governor's report sufficient but not strictly necessary. The Supreme Court in the S.R. Bommai case established that such proclamations are subject to judicial review.

Once President's Rule is proclaimed, the Governor exercises executive and legislative powers on behalf of the President. Parliament may delegate the power to make laws for the State to the President, who in turn may authorise the Governor to exercise such legislative functions. This transforms the Governor from a constitutional head into a direct executive agent.

Dissolution of the State Legislature is not automatic upon proclamation of President's Rule. The Legislature may be suspended or dissolved, but this requires a specific decision — the proclamation itself does not dissolve it by default. This distinction is constitutionally significant and was reinforced in the Bommai judgment to prevent irreversible political consequences.

The proclamation must be approved by both Houses of Parliament within two months and is valid for a maximum of three years under specified conditions. These safeguards prevent misuse of Article 356 as a political instrument against State governments.