---
title: "Article 356: President's Rule in India Explained"
description: "Article 356 allows the President to impose President's Rule in a state when its constitutional machinery fails, crucial for governance in India."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/article-356-presidents-rule"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Article 356 of the Indian Constitution empowers the President to assume control of a state government when its constitutional machinery has failed, imposing what is popularly called President's Rule.
- How long can President's Rule under Article 356 remain in force?
- What did the S. R. Bommai judgment establish about Article 356?
- How does Article 356 differ from a National Emergency under Article 352?
- Can the President take over the powers of a state High Court during President's Rule?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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In November 2019, the President imposed Article 356 President's Rule in Maharashtra after no party staked a workable claim to form a government following the assembly elections; it was revoked days later when the Shiv Sena–NCP–Congress alliance demonstrated a majority.

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