Which of the following are not necessarily the consequences of the proclamation of the President's rule in a State ? 1. Dissolution of the State Legislative Assembly 2. Removal of the Council of Ministers in the State 3. Dissolution of the local bodies Select the correct answer using the code given below :

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only ✓ UPSC's answer
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Why the answer is (b)

• When President's Rule is proclaimed under Article 356, the State Council of Ministers is necessarily dismissed, since the President assumes the functions of the State Government (item 2 is a necessary consequence).

• The Assembly need not be dissolved — it may be kept in suspended animation, and after S.R. Bommai (1994) dissolution must await parliamentary approval (item 1 not necessary).

• Local bodies (panchayats, municipalities) are constitutional bodies with their own terms and are not dissolved by President's Rule (item 3 not necessary).

• Hence 1 and 3 only, option (b).

Why the other options are wrong

(a) 1 and 2 only: Removal of the Council of Ministers is a necessary consequence.
(c) 2 and 3 only: Removal of ministers is necessary; dissolution of the Assembly is not.
(d) 1, 2 and 3: Item 2 is a necessary consequence.

Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2017, held on 18 June 2017. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.