PREVIOUS
✖
President’s Rule in Tamil Nadu (1976)
February 3 , 2026
20 hrs 0 min
16
0
- 50 years ago, on February 1, 1976, the Tamil Nadu government was dismissed for the first time in history.
- President’s Rule was imposed under Article 356 of the Constitution of India.
- The government was led by Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party.
- The dismissal followed a report from Governor K. K. Shah stating that the state government could no longer function according to the Constitution.
- The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly was dissolved before completing its five-year term, which was due to end on March 21, 1976.
- The Governor has reported acts of maladministration, corruption, and misuse of power by the DMK government.
- The government was accused of encouraging secessionist activities under the guise of demanding more autonomy.
- Prohibitory orders were imposed in Madras to ban meetings, demonstrations, and processions for 14 days.
- M. G. Ramachandran, leader of the ADMK (All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam), supported the dismissal and called for a commission of inquiry into corruption charges.
- The Centre appointed Justice R. S. Sarkaria of the Supreme Court as a one-man Commission of Inquiry to investigate allegations against Karunanidhi and some DMK ministers.
- Two central government advisers, P. K. Dave and R. V. Subramanian, were appointed to help the Governor administer the state.
- The imposition of President’s Rule was expected to restore law and order and ensure proper administration in Tamil Nadu.
Leave a Reply
Your Comment is awaiting moderation.