The S. R. Bommai vs Union of India established key safeguards against misuse of President’s Rule under Article 356, strengthening India’s federal structure and judicial oversight.

BulletsIn:

• Supreme Court ruled that imposition of President’s Rule under Article 356 is subject to judicial review, preventing arbitrary dismissal of state governments
• Case originated from dismissal of Karnataka government led by SR Bommai in 1989 based on Governor’s report without floor test
• Court held that majority of a government must be tested on the floor of the legislative assembly, not decided by Governor’s subjective opinion
• President’s proclamation must be based on relevant material, and Centre must justify its decision if challenged in court
• Assembly cannot be dissolved before parliamentary approval, ensuring checks on executive power during President’s Rule
• Judgment stated that secularism is a basic feature, and anti-secular actions by a state government can justify Article 356 imposition
• Supreme Court empowered to restore dismissed state governments if President’s Rule found unconstitutional or imposed arbitrarily