GK Question

polity hard true_false

Before SR Bommai (1994), Article 356 was frequently used for political purposes (over 100 times), but post-SR Bommai safeguards have significantly reduced political misuse by requiring objective material, floor test, and judicial review.

  1. True
  2. False

Answer: True

Article 356 political misuse and SR Bommai impact: (a) Pre-SR Bommai era: Article 356 used over 100 times, often for political purposes (dismissing opposition State governments), (b) SR Bommai safeguards (1994): (i) Objective material requirement: Governor's report must be based on verified facts, not subjective opinion, (ii) Floor test principle: Majority tested on Assembly floor, not Governor's assessment, (iii) Judicial review: Courts can examine whether proclamation based on objective material, not political considerations, (iv) Assembly revival: If proclamation struck down, Assembly can be revived with Ministry restored, (c) Post-SR Bommai impact: (i) Reduced political misuse: Governments more cautious in recommending President's Rule; courts more willing to strike down politically motivated proclamations, (ii) Federal balance: Strengthened State autonomy against arbitrary Centre overreach, (iii) Democratic legitimacy: Enhanced public trust in federal governance, (d) Applications: (i) Recent Governor cases (2022-2024): Courts reiterate SR Bommai principles, strike down politically motivated Article 356 invocations, (ii) Political accountability: Governments must justify Article 356 with objective material, not political convenience, (e) Illustrates constitutional learning: SR Bommai represents institutional learning from political misuse of Article 356; safeguards balance Union's duty to preserve constitutional order with State autonomy, democratic mandate.

Topic Article 356 - Political Misuse and SR Bommai Impact
Exam Relevance Article 356 political misuse and SR Bommai impact critical for UPSC Mains and Judiciary exams