Manipur placed under President’s Rule, Legislative Assembly in Suspended Animation

The President of India has issued an official order, G.S.R. 135(E), enforcing President’s Rule in Manipur with immediate effect. This move follows Proclamation No. G.S.R. 134(E), issued on the same day under Article 356 of the Constitution of India.  

As per the directive, all governmental functions and powers vested in the Governor of Manipur under the Constitution or any prevailing law will now be exercised under the authority of the President. However, these powers will remain subject to the President’s superintendence, direction, and control, and can also be exercised by the Governor.  

Consequently, the Manipur Legislative Assembly has been placed under suspended animation until further notice.

Meanwhile, BJP leader A Sharda Devi while interacting with the media and reacting on the Presidents' Rule stated, "The Manipur State Assembly has been placed under Suspension Animation. Our chief minister resigned for the integrity and situation of the state. our House will come back to life after everything returns to normalcy. Currently Constitutional process is underway".

In the realm of Indian constitutional provisions, Article 365 addresses the concept of "Animated Suspension", a situation where a state assembly’s operations are temporarily put on hold without outright dissolution. This mechanism is primarily linked to the imposition of President’s Rule under Article 356.

What is Animated Suspension?
Animated Suspension signifies a temporary cessation of the state assembly’s functioning while ensuring that it is not formally dissolved. The legislative body remains intact but remains inactive during the suspension period.

When is Animated Suspension Imposed?
Animated Suspension is enforced when President’s Rule is declared in a state due to a breakdown of constitutional machinery, making it impossible for the state government to function as per constitutional norms.

Key Features of Animated Suspension:

Assembly Not Dissolved: The state assembly remains in existence but ceases to operate.
Temporary in Nature: The suspension lasts until the President’s Rule is revoked.
Governor’s Administration: During the suspension, the state is governed by the Governor, who acts on behalf of the Central Government.
Limited Duration: Animated Suspension cannot exceed six months. If the assembly is not reinstated within this period, it is dissolved, triggering fresh elections.
Purpose of Animated Suspension
The primary objective of Animated Suspension is to preserve the democratic framework while addressing a governance crisis. It offers a provisional solution by keeping the assembly intact and allows for its revival once normalcy is restored in the state’s administration.