Introduction-
Fundamental rights are enshrined in the part III of the Indian constitution. They are part of those rights which are necessary for the survival of a human being with dignity. Fundamental rights have been incorporated in the ‘fundamental law of the land’, i.e. the constitution of India and one can approach courts in case of violation of these rights. These rights reflect a desire of the founding fathers of Indian constitution to build a new social order. For example, there are rights declaring practice of untouchability an offence or conferring certain culture and educational rights on the minorities, both linguistic as well as religious.
Moreover, the given rights are not absolute but subject to certain reasonable restrictions. For example, the right to freedom of speech and expression can be restricted on grounds of public order, morality or decency and national security. The fundamental rights can be suspended during national emergency (act 352), only exception being right to life.
Having discussed the basic features of these fundamental rights, one can find that these rights have classified under six heads in a logical manner depending upon their scope and nature. * Right to equality (art 14-18) * Right to freedom (arts 19-22) * Right against exploitation (art 23-24) * Right to freedom of religion (art 25-28) * Cultural and educational rights (art 29-30) * Right to constitutional remedies (art 32)
In 1978, right to property mentioned in art 31 was repealed by the 44th amendment act as it was found contrary to other fundamental rights particularly the right to equality. It, however, has been reallocated to Art 300a of part xii as a legal right now.
History Of Emergency Provision-
Emergency powers, even if parcelled out incrementally, have corrosive consequences.
Indeed, incremental measures attract less attention and render the extraordinary normal in the public eye. Hence they may be more dangerous than sweeping seizures of emergency powers. The US experience with emergency powers in the second half 20th century highlights this risk, and casts into relief legislatures’ responsibility for the development of emergency powers.
Like the USA’s founding document, India’s constitution, drafted between December 1946 and December 1949, was established in the rosy glow of independence from colonial domination. Emergency protocols were debated until August 1949, and were so contentious that at one point they had to be withdrawn for further attention from the drafting committee The eventual provisions on emergencies, comprising nine articles in part XVIII of the constitution, were partly inspired by the US habeas corpus suspension clause, and permitted a president, ‘for the purpose of removing any difficulties’ , to make ‘such adaptations, whether by way of modification, addition or omission, as he may deem to be necessary’. Internal disturbances, external aggression and threats to the fiscal credit or stability of the nation could justify such action. Measures had to be set before Parliament, and would expire automatically after two months unless they received a parliamentary seal of approval. For the duration of an emergency, in addition, judicial enforcement of any right specifically named by presidential order could be prohibited. Such an order could apply to all or part of the country, and could last for all or part of an emergency.
Emergency Provisions Under The Indian Constitution:
When the Constitution of India was being drafted, India was passing through a period of Stress and strain. Partition of the country, communal riots and the problem concerning the Merger of princely states including Kashmir. Thus, the Constitution-makers thought to Equip the Central Government with the necessary authority, so that, in the hour of emergency, When the security and stability of the country is threatened by internal and external threats. Therefore, some emergency provisions were made in Constitution to safeguard and protect the security, integrity and stability of the country and effective functioning of State Governments.
Keeping in view the above stated points constitution makers inserted three kinds of emergency. Emergency provision falls in PART-XVIII of the constitution of India from art.352 to art. 360
1. National emergency (Article 352 of the constitution of India)
2. State emergency (Article 356 of the constitution of India)
3. Financial emergency (Article 360 of the constitution of India)
Part XVIII of the constitution permits the state to suspend various civil liberties and the application of certain federal principles during presidential proclaimed states of emergency. The constitution provides for three categories of emergencies: a threat by "war or external aggression" or by "internal disturbances"; a "failure of constitutional machinery" in the country or in a state; and a threat to the financial security or credit of the nation or a part of it. Under the first two categories, the Fundamental Rights, with the exception of protection of life and personal liberty, may be suspended, and federal principles may be rendered inoperative. 1. NATIONAL EMERGENCY (Article 352, 353, 354, 355 and 358) :
As it is very clear from the opening words of the above stated heading, national emergency deals with constitutional provisions to be applied, whenever there are imbalances in the society in the whole country and not in a particular or specific region or state.
Article 352- Proclamation of Emergency- (1) If the President is satisfied that a grave emergency exists whereby the security of India or of any part of the territory thereof is threatened, whether by war or external aggression or armed rebellion, he may, by Proclamation, make a declaration to that effect in respect of the whole of India or of such part of the territory thereof as may be specified in the Proclamation.
Explanation- A Proclamation of Emergency declaring that the security of India or any part of the territory thereof is threatened by war or by external aggression or by armed rebellion may be made before the actual occurrence of war or of any such aggression or rebellion, if the President is satisfied that there is imminent danger thereof.
Provisions have been made in the Constitution for dealing with extraordinary situations that may threaten the peace, security, stability and governance of the country or a part thereof.
This type of emergency can be declared by the President of India if he is satisfied that the situation is very grave and the security of India or any part thereof is threatened or is likely to be threatened either, by war or external aggression by armed rebellion within the country. The President can issue such a proclamation even on the ground of threat of war or aggression. According to the 44th Amendment of the Constitution, the President can declare such an emergency only if the Cabinet recommends in writing to do so.
National emergency is caused by war, external aggression or armed rebellion in the whole of India or a part of its territory. Such an emergency was declared in India in 1962 (Indo-China war), 1965 (Indo-Pakistan war), 1971 and 1975 (declared by Indira Gandhi to maintain law and order in the country).
The President can declare such an emergency only on the basis of a written request by the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister. Such a proclamation must be approved by the Parliament within one month. Such an emergency can be imposed for six months. It can be extended by six months by repeated parliamentary approval.
In such an emergency, Fundamental Rights of Indian citizens can be suspended. The six freedoms under Right to Freedom are automatically suspended. However, the Right to Life and Personal Liberty cannot be suspended. It modifies the federal system of government to a unitary one.
The Parliament can make laws on the 66 subjects of the State List (which contains subjects on which the state governments can make laws). Also, all money bills are referred to the Parliament for its approval. The term of the Lok Sabha can be extended by a period of one year but not more than six months from the date when the emergency has ceased to exist.
Effect of National Emergency on the Fundamental Rights:
These are some cases where the fundamental rights infringes during the national emergency
Makhan Singh Vs State Of Punjab: Emergency was declared on an earlier occasion during the Indo-China war. At that time the right to move any court for the enforcement of Articles 14, 21 and 22 was suspended under Article 359 only for the persons detained under the Defence of India Rules (DIR), the Preventive detention law at that time. It was a partial suspension. Supreme Court interpreted it to mean that rights were suspended only for legally detained persons. So if a person was illegally detained under DIR, he could maintain the Habeas Corpus petition. It was for the first time during emergency imposed on 26th June 1975 that Articles 14, 19, 21 and 22 were suspended in their entirety, without any reference to any law. This time when detenues filed Habeas Corpus petitions, a question was raised that Article 21 being the sole repository of liberty has been suspended in its totality, no writ of Habeas Corpus is maintainable. The Government also sought to distinguish the earlier case of Makhan Singh on the different phraseology of the notification suspending the rights. Almost all the High Courts decided this question against the Government. And on this issue the matter was taken in appeal to the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court held that it was impossible to accept that only right that can be suspended by an order made under article 359(1) was the right guaranteed by article 32 (1) to move to the Supreme Court for the enforcement of the fundamental rights and a citizen would be free to seek relief from high court under art.226, article 32 (3) which enable parliament to empower any other court to exercise all or any of the power exercisable by the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court pointing out that a citizen would not be deprived of his right to move the appropriate court for a writ of habeas corpus if his detention had been malafide.
In another case Maharashtra state v. Prabhakar, the Supreme court held that if a person was deprived his personal liberty not under the Defence of India act, or any rule made there under but the contravention thereof, his right to move the said court in that regard would not be suspended. Similarly in Ram Manohor Lohia v. State of Bihar the Supreme court held that the order of the president did not form a bar to all applications for release from the detention under the act or rule. Where a person was detained in violation of the mandatory provision of the Defence of India act his right to move the court was not suspended.
In Mohd. Yaqub v. State of Jammu and Kashmir the Supreme Court held that an order by the president under article 359(1) was not law within the meaning of article 13(2) and therefore its validity cannot be challenged with reference to the provision of part III. Thus if the order suspends the enforcement of article 14, if cannot be challenged on the ground that it is discriminatory under article 14. The validity of the order cannot be tested under the very fundamental rights, i.e. article 14, which it is suspended. Here the Supreme court overruled its own decision in Ghulam Sarwar v. Union of India, wherein it had held that the presidential order issued under article 359 (1) could not be challenged as being discriminatory.
In the case of ADM Jabalpur Vs Shiv Kant Shukla Article 21 of the Constitution guarantees right to the life and liberty. Right to move to the court to enforce Article 21 was suspended under Article 359 of the Constitution during internal emergency (1975-77).. In this case the Presidential Order referred to was the one issued during Emergency declaring that the right of any person to move any Court for any enforcement of the rights conferred by Articles 14, 21 and 22 of the Constitution and all proceedings pending in any Court for the enforcement of the above mentioned rights shall remain suspended for the period during which the Proclamation of Emergency are in force.
JUDGMENT: - Marking the black day of Indian legal history, the Supreme Court rejected the arguments of the Respondents and held that Article 21 of the Constitution was the sole repository of right to life and liberty and therefore, the suspension of it implied that all the remedies protecting this right under any other law shall also be suspended. The Court while construing Article 21 as the sole repository of life and personal liberty denied all available remedies to the detenus on any ground that any challenge to the detention order for the enforcement of the right to personal liberty under Article 21 could not be so done on account of the presidential order suspending it being in force. The majority further held that even the order of detention could not be challenged even on any other ground, even if the detention order was passed malafide, rendering the detenu without any remedy even against an illegal detention. Therefore, the Court declared, “in view of the Presidential Order dated June 27th , 1975 no person has any locus standi to move any writ petition under Article 226 before a High Court for habeas corpus or any other writ or order or direction to challenge the legality of an order of detention on the ground that the order is not under or in compliance with the Act or is illegal or is vitiated by mala fides factual or legal or is based on extraneous considerations”, closing its doors to any sort of relief whatsoever to any person suffering from illegal detention.
But now, after 44th constitutional amendment Article 21 of the Constitution; right to life and liberty, now cannot be suspended. Not even during emergency, 44th Constitutional Amendment Act, passed unanimously, ensured it. It is instructive to look back on the Habeas Corpus case during internal emergency (1975-77), the reason for 44th Constitutional Amendment Act and Leversidge Vs Anderson which played such an important role before the Supreme Court.
The 44th Amendment act, 1978-
It has made two important changes in Article 358:
Firstly, Article 19 will suspend only when a proclamation of emergency is declared on the ground of war or external aggression and not when the emergency declared on the ground of armed rebellion.
Secondly, it has inserted a new clause (2) in article 358 which says that nothing in clause (1) shall apply to- (a) any law which does not contain a recital to the effect that such a law is in relation to the proclamation of emergency, or (b) to any executive action taken otherwise than under a law containing such a rectal. This clause makes it clear that Art. 358 will only protect emergency laws from being challenged in court of law and not other laws which are not related to the emergency. Prior to this, the validity of even other laws, which were not related to emergency, could not be challenged under article 358.
The 59th amendment has amended art. 358 and has inserted the word “ or by armed rebellion, or that the integrity of India is threatened by internal disturbance in the whole or any part of the territory of Punjab” after the words” or by external aggression”. This means that, in case of Punjab, the right guaranteed by the art. 19 will be suspended also when emergency is declared on the ground of” armed rebellion or internal disturbance”
The proclamation o emergency, however, does not invalidated a law which was valid before the proclamation of emergency
In M. M. Pathak v. Union of India, the Supreme Court had an occasion to consider the effect of the expression “the thing done or omitted to be done” in article 358 after proclamation of emergency ceases. In that case a settlement was arrived at between the LIC of India and its employee in 1977 under which the LIC had agreed to pay in cash bonus to its employee. In 1977, however by the LIC (modification of settlement) act, 1976 passed by the parliament during emergency the settlement was made ineffective and therefore the employee could not demand their bonus while the emergency was in force. The employee of the LIC challenged the constitutional validity of the above act. The supreme court held that the effect of proclamation of emergency on fundamental right guaranteed by article 14 and 19 are not suspended during emergency but their operation will suspended. This means that only validity of an attack based on article 14 and 19 is suspended during emergency. But once this embargo lifted article 14 and 19 of the constitution, whose use was suspended, would strike down any legislation which would have been invalid. In other words, that the declaration of validity is stayed during emergency. The expression “the things done or omitted to be done” occurring in article 358 does not mean right conferred is washed off completely. The expression interpreted very narrowly. Therefore, as soon as the emergency over, the settlement would revive and what could not be demanded during the period of the emergency would became payable even for the period of emergency for which payment was suspended. In other words the enactment will have even after the emergency had ceased. The valid claims can not be washed off by the emergency per se. they can only be suspended by a law passed during the operation of article 358 and article 359 (1).
Suspension of fundamental rights, however even during a period of national emergency is an utterly undemocratic practice whatever may be the case in its favour. Its immediate result is that a sanctuary of human rights which has been a prohibited area for the executive is thrown open for its unrestricted action. In the process, individual liberty is bound to suffer. For, where the executive is at liberty to act with impunity, abuse of power becomes to suffer, for, where the executive is at liberty to act with impunity, abuse of power becomes its natural concomitant. Hence, there is great need for parliament to be extra vigilant and create, if necessary, a suitable machinery which could review every case of curtailment of the individual freedom. If emergency is used as a cover for political gain or vindictiveness by the parity in power, it will amount to a fraud on the constitution.
In contrast of the demands of national emergency declared under article 352, fundamental rights were never suspended during any of the emergencies proclaimed in the states. That remains a good precedent. Even during a national emergency, suspension of fundamental rights should be restricted to the absolute minimum. There have been no instances so far of the union executive ignoring parliament in ht name of emergency except perhaps during the comparatively short period of internal emergency. The apprehensions that the president may act emergency provisions have been on the whole justified when viewed from the experience of the past as a dictator is not one of the acute discomforts of our political thinking.
Procedure of proclaiming emergency-
Such a proclamation can be made by the president of the country, but there are some provision for that too, the President can declare such an emergency only if the Cabinet recommends in writing to do so. Such a proclamation of emergency has to be approved by both the Houses of Parliament by absolute majority of the total membership of the Houses as well as 2/3 majority of members present and voting within one month, otherwise the proclamation ceases to operate.
In case the Lok Sabha stands dissolved at the time of proclamation of emergency or is not in session, it has to be approved by the Rajya Sabha within one month and later on by the Lok Sabha also within one month of the start of its next session. Once approved by the Parliament, the emergency remains in force for a period of six months from the date of proclamation. In case it is to be extended beyond six months, another prior resolution has to be passed by the Parliament. In this way, such emergency continues indefinitely.
In the case of Minerva Mills ltd. v. Union of India held that there is no bar to judicial review of the validity of the proclamation of emergency issued by the president under 352(1). However, court's power is limited only to examining whether the limitations conferred by the constitution have been observed or not. It can check if the satisfaction of the president is valid or not. If the satisfaction is based on mala fide or absurd or irrelevant grounds, it is no satisfaction at all.
Procedure of revoking emergency-
If the situation improves the emergency can be revoked by another proclamation by the President of India.
The 44th Amendment of the Constitution provides that ten per cent or more members of the Lok Sabha can requisition a meeting of the Lok Sabha and in that meeting, it can disapprove or revoke the emergency by a simple majority. In such a case emergency will immediately become inoperative.
Effects of national emergency-
The declaration of National Emergency has effects both on the rights of individuals and the autonomy of the states in the following manner:

The most significant effect is that the federal form of the Constitution changes into unitary. The authority of the Centre increases and the Parliament assumes the power to make laws for the entire country or any part thereof, even in respect of subjects mentioned in the State List.
The President of India can issue directions to the states as to the manner in which the executive power of the states is to be exercised.
During period, the Lok Sabha can extend tenure by a period of 1 year at a time. But the same cant be extended beyond 6 months after the proclamation ceases to operate. The tenure of State Assemblies can also be extended in the same manner.
During emergency, the President is empowered to modify the provisions regarding distribution of revenues between the Union and the States.
The Fundamental Rights under Article 19 are automatically suspended and this suspension continues till the end of the emergency.
But according to the 44th Amendment, Freedoms listed in Article 19 can be suspended only in case of proclamation on the ground of war or external aggression. From the above discussion, it becomes quite clear that emergency not only suspends the autonomy of the States but also converts the federal structure of India into a unitary one. Still it is considered necessary as it equips the Union Government with vast powers to cope up with the abnormal situations. 2. State Emergency (Article 356):
Art. 356- Provisions in case of failure of constitutional machinery in States- (1) 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 any body 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 any body or authority in the State:
Provided that nothing in this clause shall authorize 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.
Reason being-
It is the duty of the Union Government to ensure that governance of a State is carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. Under Article 356, the President may issue a proclamation to impose emergency in a state if he is satisfied on receipt of a report from the Governor of the State, or otherwise, that a situation has arisen under which the Government of the State cannot be carried on smoothly. In such a situation, proclamation of emergency by the President is called ‘proclamation on account of the failure (or breakdown) of constitutional machinery.’ In popular language it is called the President’s Rule.
Article 356 of Indian constitution define state emergency. The essence of the Article is that upon the breach of certain defined state of affairs, as ascertained and reported by the Governor of the State concerned (or otherwise), the President concludes that the 'constitutional machinery' in the State has failed. Thereupon the President makes a 'Proclamation of Emergency,' dismissing the State Legislature and Executive.
During a state of emergency, the President is vested with tremendous discretionary powers. Any legislation or constitutional provision that abrogates any of the basic principles of democratic freedom is anathema to most people and the more so to the people of the largest democracy in the world. Having just gained independence after a long and continuous struggle, the people of India would naturally have the greatest interest in preserving all the freedoms envisioned in a democratic society.
This provision is misused by the political parties in power at the Center to dismiss the governments ruled by opposition parties in the states. This has been a threat to the concept of Federalism in India. Now the Courts have started interfering and have held the actions of the central government (in law issued by the President) as unconstitutional and have revived the legislatures of the states which were dissolved by the proclamation under Art 356.
Procedure Of Proclaiming State Emergency-
Like National Emergency, such a proclamation must also be placed before both the Houses of Parliament for approval. In this case approval must be given within two months, otherwise the proclamation ceases to operate. If approved by the Parliament, the proclamation remains valid for six months at a time. It can be extended for another six months but not beyond one year. However, emergency in a State can be extended beyond one year if
(a) a National Emergency is already in operation; or if
(b) the Election Commission certifies that the election to the State Assembly cannot be held.
Procedure Of Revoking State Emergency-
Any such Proclamation may be revoked by a subsequent Proclamation. Every Proclamation shall be laid before each House of Parliament and shall, except where it is a Proclamation revoking a previous Proclamation, cease to operate at the expiration of two months unless before the expiration of that period it has been approved by resolutions of both Houses of Parliament:
Provided that if any such Proclamation (not being a Proclamation revoking a previous Proclamation) is issued at a time when the House of the People is dissolved or the dissolution of the House of the People takes place during the period of two months referred to in this clause, and if a resolution approving the Proclamation has been passed by the Council of States, but no resolution with respect to such Proclamation has been passed by the House of the People before the expiration of that period, the Proclamation shall cease to operate at the expiration of thirty days from the date on which the House of the People first sits after its reconstitution unless before the expiration of the said period of thirty days a resolution approving the Proclamation has been also passed by the House of the People.

Effect Of State Emergency-
The declaration of emergency due to the breakdown of Constitutional machinery in a State has the following effects:
The President can assume to himself all or any of the functions of the State Government or he may vest all or any of those functions with the Governor or any other executive authority.
The President may dissolve the State Legislative Assembly or put it under suspension. He may authorize the Parliament to make laws on behalf of the State Legislature.
The President can make any other incidental or consequential provision necessary to give effect to the object of proclamation.
Criticism Of President’s Rule-
The way President’s Rule was imposed on various occasions has raised many questions. At times the situation really demanded it. But at other times, President’s Rule was imposed purely on political grounds to topple the ministry formed by a party different from the one at the Centre, even if that particular party enjoyed majority in the Legislative Assembly. Suspending or dissolving assemblies and not giving a chance to the other political parties to form governments in states has been due to partisan consideration of the Union Government, for which Article 356 has been clearly misused.
In view of the above facts, Article 356 has become very controversial. In spite of the safeguards provided by the 44th Amendment Act, this provision has been alleged to be misused by the Union Government. That is why there is a demand either for its deletion or making provision in the Constitution to restrict the misuse of this Article. The Sarkaria Commission which was appointed to review the Centre–State relations also recommended that Article 356 should be used only as a last resort. The Commission also suggested that the State Legislative Assembly should not be dissolved unless the proclamation is approved by the Parliament. It further suggested that all possibilities of forming an alternative government should be fully explored before the Centre imposes emergency in a State on grounds of breakdown of Constitutional machinery. The Supreme Court held in the Bommai case that the Assembly may not be dissolved till the Proclamation is approved by the Parliament. On a few occasions such as when Gujral Government recommended use of Article 356 in Uttar Pradesh, the President returned the recommendation for reconsideration. The Union Government took the hint and dropped the proposal.
Judicial Review-
The susceptibility of a Proclamation under Article 356 to judicial review is beyond dispute, because the power under Article 356(1) is a conditional power. In the exercise of the power of judicial review, the court is entitled to examine whether the condition has been satisfied or not. So the controversy actually revolves around the scope and reach of judicial review.
From the decisions in the case of State of Rajasthan v. Union of India and the Bommai case, it is clear that there cannot be a uniform rule applicable to all cases It is bound to vary depending upon the subject matter, nature of the right, and other factors. However, where it is possible the existence of satisfaction can always be challenged on the ground that it is 'malafides or based on wholly extraneous and irrelevant grounds.
The relevance of judicial review in matters involving Article 356 is also emphasized in the Supreme Court judgment In Re State of Madhya Pradesh v. Bharat Singh, where the Supreme Court held that it was not precluded from striking down a law passed prior to a Proclamation of Emergency, as ultra vires to the Constitution, just because the Proclamation was in force at that time
Judicial review of the Proclamation under Article 356(1) was first tested in State of Rajasthan v. Union of India, the state filed suit challenging the validity of the directives issued by the home minister to the chief minister to dissolve their assembly and seek a fresh mandate. The letter disclosed the sole ground for the proclamation under art. 356 and that such a proclamation and dissolution of their legislative assembly upon the grounds given in the letter was outside the scope of Art. 356 of the constitution. It was also contended that condition precedent to the dissolution of the assemblies is a ratification by both the houses of parliament and so that no dissolution can take place without ascertaining the wishes of the both the houses of parliament. The petitioners prayed for a permanent injection restrain the union of India from giving effect to the home minister directive. On behalf of the union of India, it was contended that suit underart.131 was not maintainable because dispute of a political character regarding the continuance of a council of a minister. A seven member’s constitution bench of the Supreme Court by an unanimous judgment rejected the petitioner petition and upheld the center’s action of dissolving three assemblies under art.356 as constitutionally valid.
The Supreme Court, being the ultimate interpreter of the Constitution, has the power of judicial review on all actions emanating from or empowered by any constitutional provision. Though the power of the President under Article 356 concerns his political judgment and the courts usually avoid entering the political thicket, this power does not enjoy blanket immunity from judicial review. It has to be determined in the individual cases on the basis of justifiability, which is distinct from judicial review.
But unless the malafides of the Presidential Proclamation is shown, the Courts have been exhorted by the Supreme Court to avoid delving into the President's satisfaction for want of judicially manageable standards. This point is amply evident in the case of Minerva Mills and Others v. Union of India and Others, where the Supreme Court dwelt extensively on its power to examine the validity of a Proclamation of Emergency issued by the President. The Supreme Court in this matter observed, inter alia, that it should not hesitate to perform its constitutional duty merely because it involves considering political issues. At the same time, it should restrict itself to examining whether the constitutional requirements of Article 352 have been observed in the declaration of the Proclamation and it should not go into the sufficiency of the facts and circumstances of the presidential satisfaction in the existence of a situation of emergency.
Thus we can safely conclude that, though limited, the Presidential Proclamation under Article 356 is subject to judicial review.
The most recent case which decided the extent of judicial review of the Proclamation by the President imposing ‘President’s Rule’ in the states and consolidated the legal position on the subjective satisfaction of the President is SR Bommai v Union of India was a landmark in the history of the Indian Constitution. It was in this case that the Supreme Court boldly marked out the paradigm and limitations within which Article 356 was to function.
In the words of Soli Sorabjee, eminent jurist and former Solicitor-General of India, 'After the Supreme Court's judgment in the S. R. Bommai case, it is well settled that Article 356 is an extreme power and is to be used as a last resort in cases where it is manifest that there is an impasse and the constitutional machinery in a State has collapsed. 3. Financial Emergency (Article 360)-
Art. 360 - Provisions as to financial emergency- If the President is satisfied that a situation has arisen whereby the financial stability or credit of India or of any part of the territory thereof is threatened, he may by a Proclamation make a declaration to that effect.
The third type of Emergency is Financial Emergency provided under Article 360. It provides that if the President is satisfied that the financial stability or credit of India or any of its part is in danger, he may declare a state of Financial Emergency. Like the other two types of emergencies, it has also to be approved by the Parliament. It must be approved by both Houses of Parliament within two months. Financial Emergency can operate as long as the situation demands and may be revoked by a subsequent proclamation.
Art 360 provides that if the president is satisfied that a situation has arisen whereby the financial security of India or the credit of India or of any part of India is threatened, he may make a declaration to that effect. Under such situation, the executive and legislative powers will go to the centre. This article has never been invoked.
A Proclamation issued under Art. 360—
(a) may be revoked or varied by a subsequent Proclamation
(b) shall be laid before each House of Parliament
(c) shall cease to operate at the expiration of two months, unless before the expiration of that period it has been approved by resolutions of both Houses of Parliament.
If the President is satisfied that there is an economic situation in which the financial stability or credit of India is threatened, he or she can declare financial emergency. Such an emergency must be approved by the Parliament within two months. It has never been declared. Such a situation had arisen but was avoided by selling off of the gold assets of India
It remains enforced till the President revokes it. In case of a financial emergency, the President can reduce the salaries of all government officials, including judges of the Supreme Court and the High Court. All money bills passed by the State legislatures are submitted to the President for his approval. He can direct the state to observe certain principles (economy measures) relating to financial matters.
The 44th amendment makes Art. 360 self contained. It provides that the proclamation of financial emergency shall cease to be in operation at the expiry of two month unless it has been approved by both house of parliament. Such a proclamation may be revoked by the president by subsequent proclamation. But if the Lok Sabha is dissolved during the period of two month and resolution is approved by the Rajya Sabha, but not by the Lok Sabha the proclamation shall cease to operate at the expiry of 30 days from the date on which the new Lok Sabha sits unless before the expiry of 30 days a resolution approving proclamation is passed by the Lok Sabha.
The phrase Emergency period used loosely, when referring to the political history of India, often refers to the third and the most controversial of the three occasions.
“The constitution of India is unique in respect that it contains a complete scheme for speedy re-adjustment of the peace time governmental machinery in movement of national peril. These provisions may appear to be particular in a constitution which professes to be built upon an edifice of fundamental rights and democracy. But the provision must be studied in light of India’s past history. India had her in glorious days whenever the central power grew weak. It is far well that the constitution guards against the forces of disintegration. Even may take place threatening the very existence of the state and if the safe guard against such eventualities the state together with all that is desired to remain basic and immutable, will swept away”
Effects Of Financial Emergency-
The proclamation of Financial Emergency may have the following consequences:
(a) The Union Government may give direction to any of the States regarding financial matters.
(b) The President may ask the States to reduce the salaries and allowances of all or any class of persons in government service.
(c) The President may ask the States to reserve all the money bills for the consideration of the Parliament after they have been passed by the State Legislature.
(d) The President may also give directions for the reduction of salaries and allowances of the Central Government employees including the Judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts.
As mentioned earlier So far, fortunately, financial emergency has never been proclaimed.
Need For Emergency- a. Need For National Emergency In India-
National Emergency has been declared in our country three times so far.
For the first time, emergency was declared on 26 October 1962 after China attacked our borders in the North East. This National Emergency lasted till 10 January 1968, long after the hostilities ceased.
For the second time, it was declared on 3 December 1971 in the wake of the second India-Pakistan War and was lifted on 21 March 1977. While the second emergency, on the basis of external aggression, was in operation,
Third National Emergency (called internal emergency) was imposed on 25 June 1975. This emergency was declared on the ground of ‘internal disturbances’. Internal disturbances justified impositin of the emergency despite the fact that the government was already armed with the powers provided during the second National Emergency of 1971 which was still in operation.
And as we discussed in earlier points, that after 1978 the word “internal disturbances” was substituted by “armed rebellion”.
The basic need for an emergency occurs whenever there is imbalance within the country, whether wholly or partly.
The ultimate aim and object of every government or political entity is to secure good life and safe life to its citizen, and the time we say citizen it means the public of country at large.

Whether we talk about the first emergency caused by china attack or the second or the third emergency, in all the cases the social equilibrium of the country was imbalanced and security of citizen was on the stack.
Emergency though suspend the fundamental rights excluding those conferred in art.20 and art. 21, it does transfer the powers from the hand of state government to the hand of central government. But this all phenomenon took place just to secure its citizen. this is what the concept and policy of “welfare state”-“greatest happiness to greatest number”
Fundamental rights are given to individual, and the only reason they are suspended during an emergency is to secure the people of country at large.
Social interest is always upper then that of individual interest. b. Need For State Emergency In India-
This type of emergency has been imposed in most of the States at one time or the other for a number of times. In 1951 this type of emergency was imposed for the first time in the Punjab State.
In 1957, the Kerala State was put under the President’s Rule.
There have been many cases of misuse of ‘constitutional breakdown’. For example, in 1977 when Janata Party came into power at the Centre, the Congress Party was almost wiped out in North Indian States. On this excuse, Desai Government at the Centre dismissed nine State governments where Congress was still in power. This action of Morarji Desai’s Janata Government was strongly criticised by the Congress and others. But, when in 1980 (after Janata Government had lost power) Congress came back to power at the Centre under Mrs.Gandhi’s leadership and dismissed all the then Janata Party State Governments. In both cases there was no failure of Constitutional machinery, but actions were taken only on political grounds.
In 1986, emergency was imposed in Jammu and Kashmir due to terrorism and insurgency.
In all, there are more than hundred times that emergency has been imposed in various States for one reason or the other. However, after 1995 the use of this provision has rarely been made. c. Need For Financial Emergency In India-
So far, in India financial emergency has never been proclaimed. But the need and reason for financial emergency, if ever occurs, would be the financial instability or credit of India.
Fundamental Rights Vs. Emergency-
War Emergency:
If the president is satisfied that a grave emergency exists whereby the security of India or any part of its territory is threatened by war, external aggression or armed rebellion, he may proclaim a state of emergency under Article 352.
Constitutional Emergency in the States:
If the President is satisfied on receipt of a report from the Governor or otherwise that a situation has arisen in which the Government of a Sate cannot be carried on in accordance with eh provisions of the Constitution, he is empowered to proclaim an emergency under Articles 356
Suspension Of Right Of Enforcement Of Fundamental Rights (Art. 359)-
Article 359 empowers the president to suspend the right to enforce fundamental rights guaranteed by part III of the constitution. It says that while the proclamation of emergency is in operation, the president may by order declare that the right to move to any court for the enforcement of such of the fundamental rights as may be mentioned in the order (except article 20 and 21)44th amendment, and all proceeding pending in any court for the enforcement of such rights shall remain suspended for the period during the proclamation in force or such shorter period as may be specified in the order. An order suspending the enforcement of fundamental rights may extend to the whole or any part of the territory of India. An order made under clause (1) shall, as soon as possible, be laid before each houses of parliament.
The constitution (38th amendment) act 1975, added a new clause (1-A) in art. 359 which provides that while an order under clause (1) is in operation, nothing in part III shall restrict the power of the state to make any law or to take any executive action. Any such law shall cease to have effect to the extent of the incompetence, as soon as the order cease to operate except as respect thing done or omitted to be done before the law so cease to have to effect.
The 44th amendment made two significant changes in art. 359: First, it provides that under article 359 does not have the power to suspend the enforcement of the fundamental rights guaranteed in Art.20 and 21 of constitution. Secondly it provides that suspension of any fundamental rights under article 359 will not apply in relation to any law which does not contain declaration such a law is in relation to the proclamation of emergency in operation when it is made or to any executive action taken otherwise than under a law containing such retail. Thus law not related to emergency can be challenged in the court of law even during emergency. This amendment was sequel to the decision of the Supreme Court in the habeas corpus case. The amendment is intended to remove the recurrence of such a situation in future.
It is to be noted that unlike art.358 under art. 359 the suspension of right to move any court for the enforcement of fundamental rights is not automatic. It can be only be brought about by a presidential order.
In September 1962 china attacked India. On 26th October 1962, the president of India issued a proclamation of emergency under article 352(1) declaring that a grave emergency exist whereby the security of India is threatened by ‘ external aggression’
On 3rd November 1962 the president issued an order under article 359(1) which ran thus:
“ in exercise of the power conferred by clause (1) of article 359 of the constitution, the president hereby declare that the right of any person to move any court for the enforcement of the rights conferring by art. 14,21,and22 of the constitution shall remained suspended fir the period during which the emergency issued under article 352(1) on 26th October, 1962 was in force, if such person has been deprived of any rights under the Defense of the India act, 1962 or any rule order made there under .” But now it is changed after the 44th constitutional amendment.
Effects Of Emergencies Proclamation On The Fundamental Rights-
• Federal laws will overrule state legislation, and the Union is empowered to govern areas (eg. Policing) that are normally devolved to the states.
• The Union is also empowered to take over and completely control the taxation and budgetary revenue processes. Under financial emergency, the Union is empowered to have the final say in the promulgation of financial acts approved by the state legislature.
• The Union may decide to suspend some or all of the fundamental rights guaranteed by Part III (Articles 12 through 35)of the constitution - which include: * freedom of equality before law * freedom of speech and expression * freedom to assemble peacefully * freedom for movement across Indian territory * freedom to practice any profession, occupation, trade or business. * freedom to practice or propagate religion.
• Further, the right to challenge the suspension of the above mentioned rights (the right to constitutional remedies) may also be suspended. However, this provision will not cover the suspension of articles 20 and 21 which govern rights to personal liberty, Right to silence, freedom from double jeopardy and freedom from unlawful arrest and detention. Any individual who deems that his rights under these categories have been suspended unlawfully, can challenge the suspensions under a court of law.
• The Union may decide to dismiss the legislative functions of a state legislature and impose federal law for a period of six months. This state of suspension may be renewed at the end of this period under the vote of Parliament (indefinite number of times) until such a time when the Election Commission of India can certify the feasibility of holding free and fair elections in the state to reconstitute the legislature.
• Any order to the above effects however, should be passed by the House of Parliament "as soon may be after it is made"
Article 32 And The Remedy Of Compensation In Case Of Emergencies-
Compensation to victims is a recognised principle of law being enforced through the ordinary civil courts. Under the law of torts the victims can claim compensation for the injury to the person or property suffered by them. It is taking decades for the victims to get a decree for damages or compensation through civil courts, which is resulting in so much hardship to them.
Article 32(1) provides for the right to move the Supreme Court by appropriate proceedings for the enforcement of the fundamental rights. The Supreme Court under Article 32(2) is free to devise any procedure for the enforcement of fundamental right and it has the power to issue any process necessary in a given case. In view of this constitutional provision, the Supreme Court may even give remedial assistance, which may include compensation in "appropriate cases ".
Article 32(3) parliament may empower any other court by law within the local limit of its jurisdiction all or of the power exercisable by the Supreme Court under cl.(2)
Article (4) says that right guaranteed by article 32 shall not suspend except as otherwise provided for the constitution.
So as mentioned article 32 (4) that right of the constitutional remedies may be suspended, during certain circumstances. These circumstances are the emergencies as discussed earlier like, during external aggression, internal disturbance and break down of constitutional machinery, By order declared by the President, to move any court for enforcement any fundamental rights shall remain suspended (art. 359).But in case of enforcement of article 20 and 21 can be enforced during the emergency under article 32.
Effect Of Emergency On The Fundamental Rights In The U.S.-
The United States of America is a federal republic comprising 50 states, together with a number of other territories. The federal Constitution establishes a democratic system of governance at the federal level and guarantees a republican system at the state and local levels. The executive branch of the federal government is headed by the President who is also commander-in-chief of the armed forces. Article 6 of the Constitution stipulates that the Constitution is the "supreme Law of the Land ". This provision is construed to mean that when state constitutions, state laws or federal laws are found to conflict with the Constitution, they have no force or effect.
In the US constitution, the fundamental rights were added by the first ten amendments - the Bill of Rights- in 1791. There is no direct provision for curtailment of these rights in view of emergency or state security. However, the restrictions on these rights appeared by providing for judicial supremacy where it is left to the courts to determine the validity of a law. The Supreme Court, in interpreting the Constitution, under the due process of law invented the doctrine of “police power” of the state and the doctrine of "clear and present danger" that could be invoked to justify "reasonable restriction" on the clauses in the Bill of Rights. It gave the opinion: "[the police power of the state] is the government power of self-protection and permits reasonable regulation of rights and property… essential to the preservation of the community from injury ". In other words, conceptually, the supremacy rests with the Executive.
Neither the Constitution nor the laws of the United States provides for the declaration of a general state of emergency entailing suspension of normal government operations or the derogations from fundamental rights. On the contrary, the basic requirement for a republican form of government, the general functions of the three branches of the federal Government, and most of the fundamental civil and political rights enjoyed by individuals are all enshrined in the Constitution and thus remain in effect at all times, even during crisis situations.
The one exception to this is the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus. Article I, § 9, cl. 2 of the Constitution states that this privilege shall not be suspended "unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it". Congress is considered to have authority to suspend the privilege. President Lincoln suspended it during the Civil War but sought congressional authorization for his actions. The privilege has been suspended on only three other occasions, each time pursuant to an act of Congress.
Comparison Between India And U.S.-
Now if compare the effect of emergencies on the fundamental rights, in India part III of the Constitution describes the fundamental rights art.(14-35) these rights are absolute. Fundamental rights have been incorporated in the ‘fundamental law of the land’, i.e. the constitution of India and one can approach courts in case of violation of these rights. In the US constitution, the fundamental rights were added by the first ten amendments - the Bill of Rights- in 1791.
In India there is provision of suspension of fundamental rights during emergencies as mentioned in the article 358 and 359. President may by issuing an order declare the emergency and prevent any person to move any court for the enforcement of rights guaranteed by the part III (except art.20 and 21). While in U.S. constitution there is no direct provision to suspend the fundamental rights during the emergency or state security. However the restriction on these rights depends on discretion o the judiciary. The Supreme Court while interpreting the constitution can give the doctrine of “police power” that could invoke the reasonable restriction on the fundamental rights. As per the Indian constitution there is no provision to suspend the fundamental right in the U.S. constitution but there may be restrain the fundamental rights on discretion of the executive and judiciary
Conclusion-
“Fundamental Rights are those rights which are considered necessary for the development of the personality of an Individual. They are included in the constitution so that every citizen can enjoy them and no one is able to encroach upon them. Only when an emergency is declared, these rights can be suspended by the central government” but they are suspended only so far the emergency is proclaimed.
These rights reflect a desire of the founding fathers of Indian constitution to build a new social order. So one can move any court for the enforcement of these rights under article 32. But when the emergencies come into effect these fundamental rights also came to end only for the time of enforcing the emergency, because It is the opinion that the government power of self-protection and permits reasonable regulation of rights and property… essential to the preservation of the community from injury" . First thing to be done during emergency is to protect the society from external aggression, or maintain the decorum of the state during internal disturbance.
But even the period of emergency, person have retained the two fundamental rights: right to life and right to personal liberty as amended in 44th constitutional amendment, 1978. No one can deprive from the right to life and personal liberty and it can be enforceable even during the emergency under article 32.
The history of Indian constitution with respect to fundamental rights and their stability with emergency provisions is full of vagueness and ambiguity.
From the very beginning of “the case of habeas corpus” and Makhan singh to the landmark case of S.R. bommai,the provisions and conditions are getting better and better.
Initially even the suspension of art. 20 and 21 during emergency was valid, though those rights are not given by “the constitution” but by nature itself.
No courts had the right and power to look into the matter of cases related to emergency.
But now the condition is different.
Now, the government of India cannot refuse to furnish reasons behind its action. However, the court will not go into the correctness of the material or its adequacy, still it will enquire whether the material was relevant to the action. And, conclusively, it would be enough for court to see if there are some valid reasons for the imposition