Table of contents | |
The Emergency provisions (Articles 352 to 360) | |
National Emergency | |
Effects of National Emergency | |
Differences Between Articles 358 and 359 | |
President's Rule | |
Use of Article 356 |
The articles incorporated into the Indian Constitution serve as instruments that endow the Central government with the authority to proficiently navigate crises, with the overarching goal of safeguarding the nation's sovereignty, unity, integrity, and democratic foundations. In times of emergencies, a pivotal transformation takes place wherein the Central government assumes a commanding role over the states. This temporary restructuring of the federal framework effectively morphs it into a unitary system, all achieved without the necessity for a formal amendment—a distinctive and noteworthy attribute within the Indian Constitution. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a key architect of the Constitution, astutely recognized and highlighted this unique feature for its remarkable adaptability. It allows the constitutional structure to seamlessly oscillate between federal and unitary modes, contingent upon the prevailing circumstances and exigencies, thereby reflecting the Constitution's dynamic and responsive nature.
The Constitution outlines three types of emergencies:
National Emergency (Article 352): Declared during war, external aggression, or armed rebellion. Commonly referred to as 'National Emergency,' it is officially termed a 'proclamation of emergency.'
President's Rule (Article 356): Declared due to the failure of the constitutional machinery in states. Also known as 'State Emergency' or 'Constitutional Emergency,' although the term 'emergency' is not used in the Constitution for this situation.
Financial Emergency (Article 360): Declared in response to a threat to India's financial stability or credit.
Emergency Provisions in the Indian Constitution
Article 352: National Emergency
Types of National Emergency
Geographical Scope
Grounds for Emergency
Presidential Declaration
Judicial Review
Emergency Proclamation Approval:
Duration and Extension:
Approval Requirements:
Revocation of Emergency Proclamation:
Parliamentary Control Introduced by 44th Amendment Act of 1978:
Special Sitting of Lok Sabha:
Resolution of Disapproval:
Centre-State Relations:
Ordinances and Extended Jurisdiction:
Applicability Across States:
Financial Modification Oversight:
Declaration of National Emergency
Effect on the Term of Lok Sabha and State Assembly:
Effect on Fundamental Rights:
Suspension of Fundamental Rights under Article 19:
Suspension of Other Fundamental Rights under Article 359:
Scope of Fundamental Rights:
Automatic Suspension:
Emergency Types:
Duration of Suspension:
Geographical Scope:
Rights Excluded from Suspension:
Nature of Suspended Rights:
Similarity Between Articles 358 and 359:
Instances of National Emergency:
Details of Proclamations:
1962 Emergency:
1971 Emergency:
1975 Emergency:
Nature of Proclamations:
Aftermath of 1975 Emergency:
Article 355 and President's Rule (Article 356):
Article 355 Duty:
President's Rule (Article 356):
Grounds for Proclamation (Article 356):
President's Rule
President's Rule Approval and Duration:
Approval Process:
Duration and Extension:
Approval Mechanism:
Restriction on Extension (44th Amendment Act of 1978):
Revocation of President's Rule:
Extraordinary Powers During President's Rule:
Assumption of Functions:
Parliamentary Exercise of State Legislature Powers:
Necessary Steps and Constitutional Provisions:
Implementation During President's Rule:
State Legislative Assembly:
During Suspension or Dissolution:
Post-President's Rule:
There were many controversies Surrounding Article 356:
Judicial Review of President's Rule (Article 356):
The 38th Amendment Act of 1975 made the President's satisfaction in invoking Article 356 final, but the 44th Amendment Act of 1978 removed this provision, allowing for judicial review.
In the Bommai case (1994), the Supreme Court established key principles:
The Court cannot assess the correctness or adequacy of the material but can verify its relevance to the action.
If the Court deems the proclamation unconstitutional, it can reinstate the dismissed state government and revive the state legislative assembly.
State legislative assembly dissolution should follow Parliament's approval of the presidential proclamation. Until approved, the president can only suspend the assembly. If Parliament rejects the proclamation, the assembly reactivates.
Secularism is a 'basic feature' of the Constitution, allowing action under Article 356 against a state government pursuing anti-secular politics.
The state government's loss of legislative assembly confidence should be determined on the House floor before unseating the ministry.
A new central government lacks authority to dismiss state ministries formed by other parties.
Article 356 is an exceptional power, meant for special situations and occasional use.
Proper Exercise of Power under Article 356 (According to Sarkaria Commission and Bommai Case):
Proper Situations:
Improper Situations:
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