President Pranab Mukherjee has imposed Present’s Rule (State Emergency) in the state of Uttarakhand in the wake of constitutional breakdown under Article 356 of Constitution.
In this regard, President has signed the proclamation state Emergency based on the recommendation of the Union Cabinet.
With this proclamation, Congress Government headed by Chief Minister Harish Rawat ceased to function and the state Assembly has been suspended.
Background
- The constitutional breakdown in state was due rebellion in the ruling Congress Government after its nine rebel MLAs rebelled, bringing government in minority in the state legislature.
- These 9 rebel MLAs were disqualified by the speaker under the anti-defection law. This disqualification had reduced the strength of the 70-member house to 61. So the final tally of Congress MLAs was 27 and BJP had 28 MLAs.
About President’s Rule
Article 356 empowers the President to issue a proclamation of Present’s Rule (State Emergency), if he is satisfied that situation has arisen in which government of a state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. Notably, he can act accordance with the report of the Governor or without it.