President's Rule Imposed in Manipur; Assembly Kept Under Suspended Animation

In a significant political development, the President of India has issued an Order No. G.S.R. 135(E) on February 13, 2025, placing the state of Manipur under President's Rule. This move comes in response to Proclamation No. G.S.R. 134(E), also issued on the same day, under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution.

The Order outlines that the governance functions of the State of Manipur, including powers previously exercised by the state's Governor, will now be directly controlled by the President, under the guidance and supervision of the President. The Governor will continue to exercise these powers, but only as directed by the President.

Additionally, the Manipur Legislative Assembly has been placed under "suspended animation," meaning it will cease to function until further notice. This drastic measure follows concerns over the administration and governance within the state, leading to the invocation of President's Rule, which effectively dissolves the state's legislative framework temporarily.

President Droupadi Murmu imposed President's Rule in Manipur after receiving a report from the state Governor.

The decision, exercised under Article 356 of the Constitution, means that the state's administrative functions will now be directly controlled by the President through the Governor

The proclamation, published in the Gazette of India issued by Union Home Ministry, states that the powers of the Manipur Legislative Assembly will be transferred to Parliament, effectively suspending the state government's authority.

Under this order, the Governor's powers will now be exercised by the President; the state legislature's authority will be assumed by Parliament; and specific articles of the Constitution, including those concerning legislative procedures and governance, have been suspended to ensure smooth central administration.

President's Rule is typically imposed when a state government is deemed incapable of functioning as per constitutional norms. The move follows political instability and law-and-order concerns in Manipur. The suspension of legislative powers means that all state laws and decisions will now be made under central authority, either by Parliament or the President.

The imposition of President's Rule can last up to six months, subject to parliamentary approval. During this period, the central government will oversee governance, and fresh elections may be called to elect new assembly.

The move comes days after, N Biren Singh resigned from his position as the Chief Minister of Manipur on February 9. His resignation came amid prolonged ethnic violence and political instability that had plagued the state for nearly two years. (with ANI Inputs)