What is the maximum total duration for which President’s Rule can continue in a State under Article 356, subject to parliamentary approvals and constitutional conditions?
- A.Up to three years
- B.Up to two years
- C.Up to four years
- D.Up to one year
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is Up to three years. Once approved by Parliament, President's Rule lasts six months and can be extended by fresh approval for six months at a time, but never beyond three years in all. There is an additional hurdle after the first year: under the 44th Amendment (1978), it can be continued beyond one year only if a National Emergency is in force in the whole of India or in that State, and the Election Commission certifies that elections to the State Assembly cannot be held because of difficulties.
The other options are common confusions. One year is the point after which those extra conditions apply, not the maximum. Two years and four years have no basis in the text. Contrast this with the other two emergencies: a National Emergency can be extended indefinitely, six months at a time, and a Financial Emergency, once approved, continues until it is revoked, with no maximum at all. So President's Rule is the only emergency with a fixed ceiling, three years.
Read the full article: Emergency Provisions (Articles 352–360): Notes and PYQs
Practice Questions
View allHow many types of emergencies are provided in the Constitution?
- A.2
- B.3
- C.4
- D.5
Show answer
Part XVIII of the Constitution provides for three kinds of emergency. A National Emergency under Article 352 can be declared on the ground of war, external aggression or armed rebellion.
Read the full explanation →Which article of the Indian constitution provides for proclamation of Emergency?
- A.Article 364
- B.Article 352
- C.Article 350
- D.Article 362
Show answer
It allows the President, if satisfied that a grave emergency exists whereby the security of India or any part of it is threatened by war, external aggression or armed rebellion, to make a Proclamation of Emergency.
Read the full explanation →Which of the following amendment act of the Indian constitution replaced the term "internal disturbance" with "armed rebellion" in the context of a national emergency?
- A.41st Amendment act, 1976
- B.44th Amendment act, 1978
- C.42nd Amendment act, 1976
- D.43rd Amendment act, 1977
Show answer
The Emergency of June 1975 was declared on the ground of "internal disturbance", a phrase so vague that almost any political unrest could be brought under it.
Read the full explanation →A Proclamation of National Emergency must be approved by each House within how many months?
- A.1
- B.3
- C.6
- D.9
Show answer
A Proclamation of National Emergency must be laid before both Houses of Parliament and approved by each of them within one month of its issue; otherwise it ceases to operate.
Read the full explanation →'Effect of Proclamation of Emergency' is explicitly provided in which of the following provisions of the Constitution of India?
- A.Article 353
- B.Article 350
- C.Article 256
- D.Article 252
Show answer
While a National Emergency is in force, it extends the executive power of the Union to giving directions to any State on the manner in which its executive power is to be exercised, and it allows Parliament to make laws on any matter, even one in the State List.
Read the full explanation →