If the President of India exercises his power as provided under Article 356 of the Constitution in respect of a particular State, then
- (a) the Assembly of the State is automatically dissolved.
- (b) the powers of the Legislature of that State shall be exercisable by or under the authority of the Parliament. ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) Article 19 is suspended in that State.
- (d) the President can make laws relating to that State.
Why the answer is (b)
• Under Article 356 (President's Rule) the President may assume the functions of the State Government and declare that the powers of the State Legislature shall be exercisable by or under the authority of Parliament — option (b).
• The Assembly is not automatically dissolved (a); it may be suspended or dissolved at the President's discretion (subject to S.R. Bommai safeguards).
• Article 19 is suspended only during a National Emergency on grounds of war or external aggression (Article 358), not under Article 356 (c).
• The President cannot make laws for the State (d); Parliament does, or may delegate that power to the President.
• Hence option (b).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) the Assembly of the State is automatically dissolved.
- Dissolution is not automatic; the Assembly may be kept in suspended animation.
- (c) Article 19 is suspended in that State.
- Article 19 is suspended only under Article 358 during war-related emergency.
- (d) the President can make laws relating to that State.
- Parliament, not the President, legislates for the State (unless delegated).
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2018, held on 3 June 2018. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.