Topic: Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
3) Bommai case is one of the most quoted verdicts in the country’s political history. Discuss its verdict and its implications.(250 words)
Why this question
President’s rule has been often applied in India , sometimes to fill the vacuum by a due constitutional process and sometimes unduly. Bommai case is one the historic cases in Indian history. The question is related to GS 2 syllabus under the following heading-
Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
Key demand of the question
The question wants us to simply discuss the verdict of Bommai case and what impact it had on Indian Polity.
Directive word
Discuss- we have to write in detail about the salient provisions of the judgement delivered in Bommai case, and then discuss the implications of Bommai judgement for Indian polity.
Structure of the answer
Introduction– give a brief context of the Bommai case. e.g article 356, Sarkaria Commission, frequent dismissals of state governments for political gains.
Body-
- Discuss in points about the principles laid down by the court before President’s rule can be invoked in any state on grounds of article 356. e.g majority to be tested on the floor, power of court to question the material behind satisfaction of the president, no dissolution till Parliamentary approval etc.
- Discuss in points the implications of the judgement. e.g laying of principles, reinstatement of governments suspended under article 356, power of judicial review over the matter etc.
Conclusion– Present a fair, balanced and concise opinion on the Bommai case and mention how it strengthened the federal structure and put a check on arbitrary dismissals.
