GK Question

polity hard mcq

In Rameshwar Prasad case (2006), the Supreme Court struck down Bihar Assembly dissolution under Article 356, holding that the Governor's report recommending President's Rule was based on ______ and not objective assessment of constitutional breakdown.

  1. verified data
  2. unverified media reports and political considerations
  3. Supreme Court directions
  4. Finance Commission recommendations

Answer: unverified media reports and political considerations

Rameshwar Prasad v. Union of India (2006): Facts: Bihar Assembly elections 2005 resulted in hung Assembly; Governor recommended President's Rule citing horse-trading based on media reports, without floor test. SC held: (a) Governor's satisfaction must be based on objective material, not unverified media reports or political considerations, (b) Floor test is primary method to test majority; Governor cannot pre-empt Assembly's right to test majority, (c) Dissolution of Assembly is extreme step; revival possible if proclamation invalidated. Reinforced SR Bommai principles; curbed arbitrary use of Article 356 for political ends. Illustrates judicial protection of federal balance: State autonomy against Centre overreach via gubernatorial discretion.

Topic Federalism - Governor's Report Under Article 356
Exam Relevance President's Rule misuse case study critical for UPSC Mains and Judiciary exams