President Rule imposed in Delhi after resignation of Kejriwal

President of India on 17 February 2014 imposed President’s Rule in Delhi after accepting the resignation of Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi. This information was published in a press release by Lt Governor Najeeb Jung’s office.

With this imposition of the President Rule, the Delhi Assembly will be kept under suspended animation. Najeeb Jung on 15 February 2014 recommended for President’s rule in the national capital after resignation of Arvind Kejriwal and his Council of Ministers. Jung rejected the recommendation of the outgoing AAP government that the Assembly should be dissolved. This move of Jung has kept the option open for formation of government in Delhi by any political party of a combination of parties in the future.  

The President’s Rule was imposed through a resolution under Article 356 of the Constitution of India under the emergency provisions says about the provisions in case of failure of constitutional machinery in States and it is

If the President, on receipt of a report from the Governor of a State or otherwise, is satisfied that a situation has arisen in which the Government of the State cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution, the President may by Proclamation-

(a) Assume to himself all or any of the functions of the Government of the State and all or any of the powers vested in or exercisable by the Governor or anybody or authority in the State other than the Legislature of the State
(b) Declare that the powers of the Legislature of the State shall be exercisable by or under the authority of Parliament
(c) Make such incidental and consequential provisions as appear to the President to be necessary or desirable for giving effect to the objects of the Proclamation, including provisions for suspending in whole or in part the operation of any provisions of this Constitution relating to anybody or authority in the State: Provided that nothing in this clause shall authorise the President to assume to himself any of the powers vested in or exercisable by a High Court, or to suspend in whole or in part the operation of any provision of this Constitution relating to High Courts.