SHORT ANSWER:
Article 356 allows the President of India to assume control of a state government if it is unable to function according to the Constitution.
DETAILS:
- It is invoked when the President believes that the governance in a state cannot be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
- This can happen due to a breakdown of constitutional machinery in the state, such as political instability or failure to maintain law and order.
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:
- The Constitution of India, Article 356
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