SHORT ANSWER:
The President of India can invoke Article 356 when the constitutional machinery in a state fails.
DETAILS:
- Article 356 allows the President to assume control of the state government if the governance is not functioning according to the Constitution.
- This can happen due to a breakdown of law and order, failure to comply with constitutional provisions, or if the state government cannot be carried on in accordance with the Constitution.
PUNISHMENT / IMPLICATIONS (if applicable):
- The state assembly can be dissolved, and President's Rule can be imposed for a maximum of six months, which can be extended with parliamentary approval.
SOURCE:
- Constitution of India, Article 356
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