President's Rule, also known as State Emergency, is a provision under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution. It allows the central government to take direct control of a state government if the state is deemed unable to function according to constitutional provisions. This rule is imposed when there is a failure of constitutional machinery in a state.

1. Imposition:
   • If the Governor of a state reports that the state government cannot function as per the Constitution.
   • If the President is satisfied that the governance of the state cannot be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
   • Failure of law and order, breakdown of a coalition government, or constitutional crisis.
2. Effects of President's Rule:
   • The state government is dismissed.
   • The Governor administers the state on behalf of the President.
   • The Parliament assumes the power to make laws for the state.
   • The Legislative Assembly may be dissolved or kept under suspension.
3. Duration:
   • Initially imposed for six months.
   • Can be extended up to three years, with parliamentary approval every six months.
   • Beyond one year, it requires special conditions (e.g., a national emergency or Election Commission certification).
4. Revocation:
   • Can be revoked anytime by the President without parliamentary approval.

• Misuse: In the past, President’s Rule was misused by the central government to dismiss opposition-ruled state governments.
• S.R. Bommai Case (1994): The Supreme Court ruled that President's Rule is subject to judicial review, and the central government must justify its imposition.

• First instance: Punjab (1951).
• Most recent: Maharashtra (2019) (before Uddhav Thackeray formed the government).
• Most prolonged: Jammu and Kashmir (2018-2019) (before it was made a Union Territory).
• Maximum instances: Uttar Pradesh has seen President's Rule 10 times.