SHORT ANSWER:
Article 356 of the Indian Constitution allows the President to impose President's Rule in a state if the governance cannot be carried out according to the Constitution.
DETAILS:
- It is invoked when the President believes that the governance in a state cannot be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
- The imposition of President's Rule can be based on the failure of constitutional machinery in the state.
- The President can assume control of the state government and appoint a Governor to oversee the administration.
- Over time, the use of Article 356 has been scrutinized and limited by the Supreme Court to prevent misuse for political gains.
PUNISHMENT / IMPLICATIONS (if applicable):
- The state assembly is dissolved or suspended, and the state government is taken over by the central government.
SOURCE:
- Constitution of India, Article 356
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