GK Question

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Under Article 356, President's Rule can be extended by Parliamentary resolution every 6 months, but cannot exceed a total of ______ years, ensuring democratic restoration through elections.

  1. 2
  2. 3
  3. 4
  4. 5

Answer: 3

Article 356 maximum duration: (a) Constitutional text: President's Rule continues for 6 months after Parliamentary approval; can be extended by Parliamentary resolution every 6 months, (b) Absolute maximum: Cannot exceed 3 years total, regardless of extensions, (c) 44th Amendment safeguard (1978): Extension beyond 1 year requires: (i) National Emergency in operation in India/State, OR (ii) Election Commission certification that elections cannot be held due to extraordinary circumstances, (d) Rationale: Prevent indefinite President's Rule; ensure democratic restoration through elections at earliest opportunity, (e) Applications: (i) Historical use: Some States had prolonged President's Rule (e.g., Punjab in 1980s), but post-1994 stricter scrutiny, (ii) Judicial review: Courts examine whether extensions justified by genuine circumstances, not political convenience, (f) Illustrates democratic federalism: Time limits ensure President's Rule temporary measure; extensions require exceptional justification, preserving State autonomy, democratic mandate.

Topic Article 356 - Maximum Extension Period
Exam Relevance Article 356 maximum duration frequently asked in UPSC Prelims and SSC exams