Question

For how long can President's Rule initially be imposed in a State?

• A. 6 months
• B. 1 year
• C. 3 months
• D. 3 years

Hint:

President's Rule works in blocks of 6 months. The initial period is 6 months, and any extension is also for 6 months at a time.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understand President's Rule. President's Rule, under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, is the imposition of direct central government rule in a state when the state government cannot function according to constitutional provisions.

Step 2: Know the process of imposition and approval. The President issues a proclamation. This proclamation must be approved by both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) within two months of its issue.

Step 3: Identify the duration of the initial period. Once the proclamation is approved by Parliament, the President's Rule remains in force for an initial period of six months.

Step 4: Understand the extension process. This rule can be extended for another six months with fresh parliamentary approval. This can be done multiple times, but generally not beyond one year. The absolute maximum period for President's Rule is three years, under very special circumstances. The key word in the question is "initially," which refers to the first approved period.