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    Question

    Under Article 356 (President’s Rule), S.R. Bommai v.

    Union of India (1994) laid down important limits. Which of the following is a correct principle from S.R. Bommai?
    A The President’s satisfaction under Article 356 is non-justiciable and cannot be reviewed. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    B The power under Article 356 is absolute and the Supreme Court cannot entertain petitions against it. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    C The material on which the President forms satisfaction is subject to judicial review and the legitimacy of dissolution can be examined by courts. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    D President’s Rule can be imposed indefinitely in any state with a hung assembly. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    E State governors have unreviewable discretion to recommend President’s Rule. Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

    Solution

    In S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994), the Supreme Court transformed the understanding of Article 356 (President’s Rule). The Court held that the President’s satisfaction is not beyond judicial scrutiny and that the material relied upon for imposing President’s Rule can be examined by courts. It emphasized that a floor test in the legislative assembly is the proper method to determine majority, not the Governor’s subjective assessment. This judgment strengthened federalism and curtailed the arbitrary dismissal of State governments, which had been frequent before Bommai. The Court also held that dissolution of a State Assembly prior to parliamentary approval of the proclamation is unconstitutional, reinforcing democratic accountability.

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