Short Essay on National Emergency – A nation is an entity that holds a number of lives together, and in times of emergency a nation either stands together or perishes. History has taught us that much repeatedly.
The framers of the Constitution were conscious of this reality, which is why they inserted the provision for the proclamation of emergency by the President of India under Article 352.
Article 352 provides for the proclamation of emergency if there is a war or armed rebellion. This proclamation can be made before the war or armed rebellion breaks out. Besides, financial emergency can also be declared by the President if national economy becomes unstable.
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The proclamation of emergency is to be discussed before both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and should be approved by both the Houses within one month from the date of issue. The period of emergency exists up to six months and it can also be extended for up to further six months.
During the emergency the State Governments function under the direct control of the Central Government. The fundamental rights of the citizens of India are also suspended during the emergency.
Uptill now only three times the emergency has been declared; in 1962, during China-Indo War, in the year 1971 during Pak-India War and the third time in the year 1975 by the Indira Gandhi Government due to what was then called ‘internal disturbance’.