In Rameshwar Prasad case (2006), the Supreme Court struck down Bihar Assembly dissolution under Article 356, holding that the Governor's report recommending President's Rule was based on ______ and not objective assessment of constitutional breakdown.

Answer: unverified media reports and political considerations

Rameshwar Prasad v. Union of India (2006): Facts: Bihar Assembly elections 2005 resulted in hung Assembly; Governor recommended President's Rule citing horse-trading based on media reports, without floor test. SC held: (a) Governor's satisfaction must be based on objective material, not unverified media reports or political considerations, (b) Floor test is primary method to test majority; Governor cannot pre-empt Assembly's right to test majority, (c) Dissolution of Assembly is extreme step; revival possible if proclamation invalidated. Reinforced SR Bommai principles; curbed arbitrary use of Article 356 for political ends. Illustrates judicial protection of federal balance: State autonomy against Centre overreach via gubernatorial discretion.