The north-eastern state of Manipur has once again found itself at the center of a political and ethnic crisis, leading to the imposition of President’s Rule following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh. The decision, taken on Thursday evening, comes amidst continued ethnic strife between the Meitei and Kuki communities and the state BJP’s failure to select a new Chief Minister.
Backdrop to President’s Rule
After the resignation of CM Biren Singh on Sunday, February 9, political uncertainty gripped Manipur as the BJP struggled to appoint a successor. With the state assembly unable to convene due to the lack of a consensus candidate, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification declaring that President Droupadi Murmu was of the opinion that “a situation has arisen in which the government of that state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.”
Manipur’s last assembly session was held in August 2023, and a new session was scheduled to begin on Monday. However, the federally-appointed governor, Ajay Bhalla, released a statement declaring the session “null and void,” further escalating the political deadlock. The decision to impose President’s Rule was seen as a necessary step to prevent further administrative and governance breakdowns in the violence-ridden state.
Understanding the Manipur Conflict
The ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur has deep roots in historical, social, and political tensions between the state’s two largest ethnic groups—the majority Meitei and the minority Kuki. The conflict escalated in May 2023 when the Kukis began protesting against the Meiteis’ demand for official tribal status. The Kukis feared that such a designation would increase Meitei influence over the government and economy, enabling them to purchase land in traditionally Kuki-dominated areas.
Beyond this, the Kukis have accused the Meitei-led government of using an anti-drug campaign as a pretext to displace their communities. The resulting violence has effectively divided the state, with Meiteis concentrated in the Imphal Valley and Kukis in the surrounding hill regions. Despite multiple peace efforts by both federal and state authorities, negotiations have failed to bring lasting stability, and security forces continue to maintain buffer zones between the two communities.
What President’s Rule Entails
The imposition of President’s Rule under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution means that the governance of Manipur has been transferred to the Centre, with Parliament assuming legislative functions for the state. The judiciary, however, remains unaffected by this measure.
Under this provision, a proclamation of President’s Rule initially remains in force for two months, requiring approval from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha before being extended. If approved, it can be prolonged for up to six months at a time, with a maximum duration of three years under specific conditions. Further extensions beyond a year are subject to either a national or state emergency or certification from the Election Commission that state elections cannot be conducted.
Historical Precedents of President’s Rule in India
President’s Rule has been imposed in India 134 times since the Constitution came into effect in 1950, with Manipur and Uttar Pradesh leading in frequency at 10 instances each. However, states like Jammu & Kashmir (4,668 days) and Punjab (3,878 days) have spent the longest periods under Central control due to prolonged security and governance crises.
The Supreme Court of India has upheld the principle that the imposition of President’s Rule is subject to judicial review. The landmark S.R. Bommai v. Union of India case (1994) established that while the President’s decision remains largely subjective, courts can examine whether the material used to justify the imposition of President’s Rule was relevant and lawful. The ruling also stipulated that unless Parliament approves the proclamation within two months, the dismissed state government would be reinstated.
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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