Legal Service India.

com

Law Articles
SEARCH

Position of Fundamental Rights during Emergency

since ADM jabalpur till today, the situation with reference to the position of FR's during emergency has
seen a complete change, this article will the same issue....

Author Name:   harshit_khare

100% Verified Profiles

Christian, Hindu, Muslim matrimony services available with 100%

Verified profiles.

since ADM jabalpur till today, the situation with reference to the
position of FR's during emergency has seen a complete change,
this article will the same issue....
Title of the topic basically talks about two main and important factors of Indian
constitution of India i.e. “Emergency provision & fundamental rights”

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 Top
Top

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)

Before moving to other points first we shall look into emergency provision and
elaborate them.

NATIONAL EMERGENCY
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
inbalance in the society in the whole country and not in a particular or specific
region or state.

1.1:-Art. 352 reads that-

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.

The Constitution of India has provided for imposition of emergency caused by war,
external aggression or internal rebellion. This is described as the National
Emergency. 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.

Role of 44th amendment we will be discussing in later sub heads.

As far as proclamation of national emergency is concerned,there are certain basic
points which are stated in previous statements.those are-
that the security of India or any part of the territory thereof is threatened-this
statements talks about the situation when either the country wholly or any part of
the country,but that would not be considered as state emergency,also this kind of
proclamation may be made before the actual occurrence of such war, external
aggression or armed rebellion.

by war or by external aggression-the opening words itself are of explanatory

nature,so they don’t need to be explained much. when ever other objects (not
within the Indian territory) try to create problems for India and its citizens through
war or aggression.

armed rebellion within the country-the word “armed rebellion” was not there in
the constitutional provisions from the very beginning.before 1978 an emergency Top
Top

could be declared because of “war,external aggression or internal disturbance”,

that was too vague and broad in sense.the 44th constitutional amendment
substituted the word “armed rebellion” for internal disturbance.

Supreme court explained in one of the case,the expression “internal disturbance 

"has a wider connotation than “armed rebellion” in the sense that armed rebellion
is likely to pose a threat to the security of the country or a part thereof, while
internal disturbace, though serious in nature, would not pose a threat to the
security of the country or a part thereof.

The intention underlying the substitution of the words internal disturbance by

“armed rebellion ”is to limit the invocation of art. 352 only to more serious
situations where there is a threat to the security of the country.

1.2:- procedure of proclaiming emergency-

As I have already said that 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.vs 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.

1.3:- procedure of revocking 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.

1.4:-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.
Top
Top

During period, the Lok Sabha can extend tenure by a period of 1 year at a time.
B t th tb t d db d6 th ft th l ti t
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.

EFFECT OF NATIONAL EMERGENCY FALLS IN ART.353 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF

INDIA.
STATE EMERGENCY

2.1:-Art. 356 reads that-

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 authorise 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.

2.2:- procedure of proclaiming state emergency- Top

Top
Like National Emergency, such a proclamation must also be placed before both the
Houses
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.

2.3:- procedure of revocking 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.

2.4:- 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 authorise 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.

2.5:-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 Top
Top
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
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.

FINANCIAL EMERGENCY
3.1:- Art. 360 reads that-
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.

IN INDIA FINANCIAL EMERGENCY HAS NEVER TAKEN PLACE,SO REGARDING THIS

MATTER WE DON’T HAVE SUFFICIENT INFORMATION ,BACAUSE NO DISPUTE EVER
AROSE OR ANY CASE LAW EVER CAME IN THE LIGHT.
3.2:- 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. Top
Top
As mentioned earlier So far, fortunately, financial emergency has never been
proclaimed
proclaimed.

FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS
4.1:-DEFINITION-

Fundamental Rights are those basic conditions of social life without which a citizen
cannot be at his best self or those basic conditions which are very essential for the
good life of a citizen.
In pre-constitutional india we didn’t had any concept of fundamental rights,We
have borrowed the concept of Fundamental Rights from U.S.A. which was the first
country in the world, to include a Bill of Rights in its constitution.

fundamental rights falls In Part III of the Constitution from art. 12 to art. 35.

the Fundamental Rights are justiciable when we say word“justiciable” It means that
the citizens can seek the assistance of the courts for the enforcement of their
Fundamental Rights under article 32 (Supreme Court) and article 226 (High
Courts).

An individual as well as group of people can ask the court to issue the writs-
The writ of certiorari is one of the writs issued by the High Court or the Supreme
court to protect the Fundamental rights of the citizens. It is issued to a lower court
directing it that the record of a case be sent up for review with all the files,
evidence and documents with an aim to overrule the judgement of the lower
court.

The writ of mandamus is an order of a court of law issued to a subordinate court

or an officer of government or a corporation or any other institution commanding
the performance of certain acts or duties.

The Fundamental Rights can also be suspended during the Emergency under
Article 359 of the Constitution by the President of India.as we discussed earlier
during national emergency
these rights can be suspended but not those conferred in art. 20 and art. 21.

The Fundamental Rights are not absolute in nature.Certain restrictions can be

placed on them in the interest of security of the state, public order, friendly
relations with foreign states and to maintain decency or morality.

4.2:-description of fundamental rights-

U.S.A. was the first country in the world to make a provision for the Bill of Rights
for its citizens.
The Fundamental Rights are contained in Part III of the Constitution.The
Fundamental Rights contain twenty four Articles from Article 12 to 35.In the above
Articles not only the rights have been defined elaborately but limitations have also
been laid down.

there are some restrictions too,Due to these very restrictions it has been
contended them that the Indian Constitution which has granted the fundamental
rights with one hand has taken them away with the other hand.

These Fundamental Rights can be suspended during emergency by the President

of India under Article 359.

The Fundamental Rights are justiciable. Under Article 32 of the Constitution, a

person can go to the Supreme Court for the enforcement of these rights. Similarly,
Top
Top
under Article 226 a person can go to the High Courts for the enforcement of these
rights within their territorial jurisdiction.
rights within their territorial jurisdiction.

Following are the Fundamental Rights granted under the Constitution of India:
(i) Right to Equality
Articles 14 to 18 of the Indian Constitution have been devoted to the Right to
Equality. This right ensures social and political equality to the citizens of India. The
Right to Equality means the following things:
(a) Article 14 guarantees to all persons equality before the law and equal
protection of laws within the territory of India. This Article asserts the supremacy
of law or Rule of law.
(b) Every citizen irrespective of his status is subject to the same law and the same
courts. Any law which is discriminatory in its character will be held
unconstitutional.
(c) According to Article 15 the state shall not discriminate against any citizen on
grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth.
(d) The citizens will not be subjected to any disability on any of the above
mentioned grounds in regard to access to shops, hotels, places of public
entertainment or the use of wells, tanks, ghats, roads and other public places
wholly or maintained out of state funds.
(e) Article 16 has guaranteed equality of opportunity in matters relating to
employment or appointment to public services to all citizens irrespective of
religion, race, sex, descent, place of birth or residence.
(f) Article 17 has declared untouchability in any form as unconstitutional.
(g) Article 18 has laid down that no titles, not being military or academic
distinction, shall be conferred by the State.
(h) But nothing in the above Article 16 will prevent the state from making any
provision for the reservation of appointments or posts in favor of any backward
class of citizens which, in the opinion of the State, is not adequately represented in
the services under the State.

(ii) Right to Freedom

Articles 19 to 22 of the Constitution cover the Right to Freedom. Out of these,
Article 19 is the most important. Under this Article, the following freedoms are
guaranteed to the citizens of India:
(a) Freedom of speech and expression;
(b) Freedom to assemble peaceably and without arms;
(c) Freedom to form associations or unions;
(d) Freedom to move freely throughout the territory of India;
(e) Freedom to reside and settle in any part of the territory of India;
(f) Freedom to practice any profession, or to carry on any occupation, trade or
business.
But nothing in the above shall prevent the state from making any law, insofar as
such law imposes reasonable restrictions in the interest of the sovereignty and
integrity of India or the security of state, friendly relations with foreign states,
public order, decency or morality, or in relation to contempt of court, defamation
or incitement to an offence.
The other three Articles protect the individual's life and liberty as under:
(a) Article 20 states "No person shall be convicted of any offence except for
violation of a law in force at the time of the commission of the act charged as an
offence, nor be subjected to a penalty greater than that which might have been
inflicted under the law in force at the time of the commission of the offence".
(b) No person shall be prosecuted and punished for the same offence more than
once.
(c) No person who is accused of any offence, shall be compelled to be a witness
against himself.
(d) Article 21 states that no person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty
except according to procedure established by law. The Supreme Court has held in
Top
Top
Maneka Gandhi Vs. Union of India (1978) that the aforesaid procedure must not be
arbitrary, unfair or unreasonable.
 y,
(e) Article 22 states that no person who is arrested shall be detained in custody
without being informed, as soon as may be, of the grounds for such arrest nor
shall he be denied the right to consult a legal practitioner of his choice.
(f) Every person who is arrested and detained in custody without the authority of a
magistrate shall be produced before the nearest magistrate within a period of
twenty-four hours of such arrest excluding the time necessary for journey from
place of arrest to the court of the magistrate.
(g) Of course, the above does not prevent the state from enacting the law for
preventive detention with certain safeguards like the Advisory Board, etc.

(iii) Right against Exploitation

Article 23 and 24 deal with this Right.
(a) Under Article 23, traffic in human beings and begar and 9ther similar forms of
forced labor are prohibited and any contravention of this provision shall be an
offence punishable in accordance with law.
(b) Of course, nothing in the above Article shall prevent the state from imposing
compulsory service for public purposes, and in imposing such service, the state
shall not make any discrimination on grounds only of religion, race, caste or class
or any of them.
(c) Article 24 says that "No child below the age of fourteen years shall be employed
to work in any factory or mine or engaged in any other hazardous employment."

(iv) Right to Freedom of Religion

This right has been dealt with under Articles 25-28. Following are the main points:
(a) Article 25 gives freedom of conscience and freedom to profess, practice and
propagate any religion subject of course to public order, morality and health.
(b) Article 26 grants every citizen the right to establish and maintain institutions for
religious and charitable purposes, to manage its own affairs in matters of religion,
to own and acquire movable and immovable property and to administer such
property in accordance with law.
(c) Under Article 27 "No person shall be compelled to pay any taxes, the proceeds
of which are specifically appropriated in payment of expenses for the promotion
or maintenance of any particular religion or religious denomination".
(d) Article 28 states "No religious instruction shall be imparted in any educational
institution wholly maintained out of State funds." But the educational institutions
established by trusts or endowments and managed by them would be free to
impart any religious instruction in them as they deem essential.
The Articles relating to the freedom of religion have helped to establish a Secular
State in India with the State adopting an attitude of strict impartiality in matters of
religion.

(v) Cultural and Educational Rights :

Articles 29 and 30 deal with these rights. These articles ensure, to every section of
the citizens, the protection of their language, script or culture.
(a) Article 29 states that "Any section of the citizens residing in the territory of India
or any port thereof having a distinct language, script or culture of its own shall
have the right to conserve the some."
(b) No citizen shall be denied admission into any educational institution
maintained by the State or receiving aid out of State funds on grounds only of
religion, race, caste, language or any of them.
(c) Article 30 states that "All minorities, whether based on religion or language,
shall have the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their
choice."
(d) The State shall not, in granting aid to educational institutions, discriminate
against any educational institution on the ground that it is under the management
of a minority, whether based on religion or language.
Top
Top

(vi) Right to Constitutional Remedies

 g
(a) The right to move the Supreme Court by appropriate proceedings for the
enforcement of the rights conferred by the Constitution has been guaranteed
under Arlicle 32.
(b) The Supreme Court shall have the power to issue directions or order or writs
including writs in the nature of habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo
warranto and certiorari whichever may be appropriate, for the enforcement of any
of the rights conferred by this Part.
(c) The right guaranteed by this Article shall not be suspended except as otherwise
provided for by the Constitution.
(d) This right can only be suspended during an Emergency by the President of India
under Article 359.
(e) These above-mentioned writs can also be issued by the High Courts for
protecting Fundamental Rights under Article 226 of the Constitution within their
territorial jurisdiction.

(f) This right relating to constitutional remedies was rightly described by Dr.
Ambedkar as the "heart and soul of the Constitution". This description is quite
justified as in the absence of this right all other rights are of no consequence since
they could not be enforced. This right makes the other rights as justiciable.

NEED FOR EMERGENCY

1. 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”. TO
NARROW THE VIEW OF DISTURBANCES ANT TO REMOVE THE VAGUENESS AND
AMBIGUITY.

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 Top
Top

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.

2.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 that 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.

3.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 occur,would be- the financial stability or
credit of India
or any of its part is in danger

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 threatended 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 Fundamental Rights

During the period of emergency, as declared under the either of the two
categories discussed above, the State is empowered to suspend the Fundamental
Rights guaranteed under Article 19 of the Constitution. The term 'State' is used
here in the same sense in which it has been used in the Chapter on Fundamental
Rights. It means that the power to suspend the operation of these Fundamental
Rights is vested not only in Parliament but also in the Union Executive and even in
subordinate authority. Further, the Constitution empowers the President to Top
Top

suspend the right to move any court of law for the enforcement of any of the
Fundamental Rights. It means that virtually the whole Chapter on Fundamental
Rights can be suspended during the operation of the emergency. However, such
order are to be placed before Parliament as soon as possible for its approval.

But art. 20 and art.21 can not be suspended in any case .

Suspension of fundamental rights during emergency is a matter of debate and

conflicts of opinion ab initio.

it would be a mistake to treat human rights as though there were a trade-off to be

made between human rights and goals such a security and development. . . .
Strategies based on the protection of human rights are vital both for our moral
standing and the practical effectiveness of our actions’ - Kofi Annan

Fundamental rights are moral rights which have been made legal by the
Constitution. These constitutional rights which are ‘fundamental’ in character
represent rights in the ‘strong sense’. They are distinct from ordinary legal and
constitutional rights because they may not be restricted on ground of general
utility.

The very essence of these rights is that they are guaranteed even if the majority
would be worse off in doing so,that fundamental rights are necessary to protect
the dignity of an individual. Invasion of these rights is a very serious matter and it
means treating a man as less than a man. This is grave injustice and it is worth
paying the incremental cost in social policy or efficiency that is necessary to
prevent it.

After so many debates and many conflicts the question arise-

Whether the fundamental rights are absolute?

fundamental rights are not absolute in nature. The government may impose
restrictions on three grounds.
The government might show that the values protected by the original right are not
really at stake in the marginal case or at stake only in some attenuated form.
Alternatively if it may show that if the right is defined to include the marginal case,
then some competing right, in the strong sense, would be abridged. This is the
principle of competing rights of other members of society as individuals. Making
this ‘rights’ choice and protecting the more important at the cost of the less
important, does not weaken the notion of rights. Hence the government may limit
rights if it believes that a competing right is more important.

The third possibility is if it may show that if the right were so defined then the cost
to society would not be simply incremental but would be of a degree far beyond
the cost paid to grant the original right, a degree great enough to justify whatever
assault on dignity of the individual it may result in.

But another principle is there which is used in many human rights treaties and in
national constitutions as well.

government may not arbitrarily deprive persons of their fundamental rights, Most
of debates on the issue assume a necessary ‘trade off’ between rights
and security, however it is submitted that the relation between the two is more
complex than that.

Restrictions on rights on ground of security are not justified per se. This may be
because the trade off is unnecessary where the government may pass effective Top
Top

laws which do not violate rights or when harsh laws restricting rights will not yield
lt H t i d i If th it t t i l i li t
results.However tensions do arise. If the security strategy genuinely implicates
rights, then it may be justified and must be governed by the principle of
proportionality.Proportionality analysis is an uphill task and involves balancing of
the two social goods of liberty and security.

It involves analysing if there exists a rational connection between the aims of the
legislation and the means employed, if there is a less restrictive means available in
order to achieve the aim. Thirdly, comparing the effectiveness of the means with
the infringement of rights.

The Habeas Corpus Case

The most controversial use of emergency power in the history of India has been
between 1975 and 1977. The experience of this state of emergency exposed the
weaknesses and inadequacies of safeguards on use of crisis power by the
government. Though restrictions were imposed on various rights in this period,
the most serious infringement was of personal liberty, which is the focus on the
next section.

The President issued orders under the Constitution of India, art. 359(1) suspending
the right of any person to move any court for enforcement of fundamental rights
under arts. 14, 21 and 22 and 19 for the duration of the emergency. Following this
declaration hundreds of persons were arrested and detained all over the country
under the swoop of the Maintenance of Internal
Security Act, 1971.

Various persons detained under Maintenance of Internal Security Act, 1971, s. 3(1)
filed petitions in different high courts for the issue of the writ of habeas corpus.

This case we’ll discuss in more elaborate way in later topics.

The balance between rights and security may be enhanced by making further
changes than those recommended in the 1978 amendment. This includes making
the information withheld by the government under art. 22(6) justiciable.

Seervai suggests this may be achieved by allowing a judge to examine the claim of
the government that the information of grounds of detention has to be withheld in
public interest.This via media is on the lines of the special advocate system in
Britain.

The Indian experience with emergency powers reveals a mixed record. These
powers were used more responsibly in 1962 than in 1970. The principle of
proportionality must thus be the governing principle to ensure that rights are not
subverted in the name of security.

ROLE OF 42nd & 44th AMENDMENT

42nd amendment
The Forty-second Amendment Act of 1976 (officially the "Constitution (Forty-
second Amendment) Act, 1976") was an amendment to the Constitution of India
that reduced the ability of the India's Supreme and High Courts to proclaim laws
constitutional or unconstitutional. Passed by the Indian parliament on 2 November
1976, it also made India a socialist secular republic and laid down the duties of
Indian citizens to their government. It was passed by the parliament during the
Indian Emergency (1975 - 77) brought by the Congress government headed by
Indira Gandhi .

STATEMENT OF OBJECTS WITH RESPECT TO POWERS OF COURT, RIGHTS AND

EMERGENCY PROVISION Top
Top

to make the directive principles more comprehensive and give them precedence
to make the directive principles more comprehensive and give them precedence
over those fundamental rights which have been allowed to be relied upon to
frustrate socio-economic reforms for implementing the directive principles.

It is also proposed to take away the jurisdiction of High Courts with regard to
determination of Constitutional validity of Central laws and confer exclusive
jurisdiction in this behalf on the Supreme Court so as to avoid multiplicity of
proceedings with regard to validity of the same Central law in different High Courts
and the consequent possibility of the Central law being valid in one State and
invalid in another State.

It is also necessary to make certain modifications in the writ jurisdiction of the

High Courts under article 226.

Insertion of new article 31D.-After article 31C of the Constitution and before the
sub-heading "Right to Constitutional Remedies", the following article shall be
inserted, namely:---

`31D. Saving of laws in respect of anti-national activities.- (1)Notwithstanding

anything contained in article 13, no law providing for-

(a) the prevention or prohibition of anti-national activities; or

(b) the prevention of formation of, or the prohibition of, anti-national associations,

Insertion of new article 32A.-After article 32 of the Constitution, the following

article shall be inserted, namely:-

"32A. Constitutional validity of State laws not to be considered in proceedings

under article 32.-Notwithstanding anything in article 32, the Supreme Court shall
not consider the constitutional validity of
any State law in any proceedings under that article unless the constitutional
validity of any Central law is also in issue in such proceedings.".

Insertion of new article 131A.-After article 131 of the Constitution, the following
article shall be inserted, namely:-

"131A. Exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in regard to questions as to

Constitutional validity of Central laws.- Notwithstanding anything contained in any
other provision of this Constitution, the Supreme Court shall, to the exclusion of
any other court, have jurisdiction to determine all questions relating to the
constitutional validity of any Central law.

44th AMENDMENT
The Forty-fourth Amendment Act of 1978 (officially the "Constitution (Forty-second
Amendment) Act, 1978") was an amendment to the Constitution of India that
reduced or removed the provisions made by 42nd amendment. This amendment
was taken plance durin the government of janta party.

SALIENT FEATURES OF CA-44

In view of the special position sought to be given to fundamental rights, the right
to property, which has been the occasion for more than one amendment of the
Constitution, would cease to be a fundamental right and become only a legal right.
Necessary amendments for this purpose are being made to article 19 and article
31 is being deleted.

A Proclamation of Emergency under article 352 has virtually the effect of Top
Top
amending the Constitution by converting it for the duration into that of a Unitary
State and enabling the rights of the citizen to move the courts for the enforcement
State and enabling the rights of the citizen to move the courts for the enforcement
of fundamental rights---including the right to life and liberty---to be suspended.
Adequate safeguards are, therefore, necessary to ensure that this power is
properly exercised and is not abused. It is, therefore, proposed that a
Proclamation of Emergency can be issued only when the security of India or any
part of its territory is threatened by war or external aggression or by armed
rebellion. Internal disturbance not amounting to armed rebellion would not be a
ground for the issue of a Proclamation.

Further, in order to ensure that a Proclamation is issued only after due

consideration, it is sought to be provided that an Emergency can be proclaimed
only on the basis of written advice tendered to the President by the Cabinet. In
addition, as a Proclamation of Emergency virtually has the effect of amending the
Constitution, it is being provided that the Proclamation would have to be approved
by the two Houses of Parliament by the same majority which is necessary to
amend the Constitution and such approval would have to be given within a period
of one month. Any such Proclamation would be in force only for a period of six
months and can be continued only by further resolutions passed by the same
majority. The Proclamation would also cease to be in operation if a resolution
disapproving the continuance of the Proclamation is passed by Lok Sabha. Ten per
cent. or more of the Members of Lok Sabha can requisition a special meeting for
considering a resolution for disapproving the Proclamation.

As a further check against the misuse of the Emergency provisions and to put the
right to life and liberty on a secure footing, it would be provided that the power to
suspend the right to move the court for the enforcement of a fundamental right
cannot be exercised in respect of the fundamental right to life and liberty. The
right to liberty is further strengthened by the provision that a law for preventive
detention cannot authorise, in any case.

JUDICIAL INTERPRETATION OF VALIDITY OF SUSPENSION OF FUNDAMENTAL

RIGHTS
1) POSITION BEFORE 1978:-
a) suspension of art. 19- makhan singh Vs. State of punjab

-Art.358 makes it clear that things done or omitted to be done during emergency
could not be chal lenged even after the emergency was over.in other words the
suspension os art.19 was complete during the period in question and legispative
and excutive action which contravened art.19 could not be questioned even after
the emergency was over.

B )suspension of art.20,21
A.D.M. Jabalpur Vs. shivkant shukla
The President issued orders under the Constitution of India, art. 359(1) suspending
the right of any person to move any court for enforcement of fundamental rights
under arts. 14, 21 and 22 and 19 for the duration of the emergency. Following this
declaration hundreds of persons were arrested and detained all over the country
under the swoop of the Maintenance of Internal Security Act, 1971.

Various persons detained under Maintenance of Internal Security Act, 1971, s. 3(1)
filed petitions in different high courts for the issue of the writ of habeas corpus.

The high courts broadly took the view that the detention may be challenged on the
grounds of ultra vires, rejecting the preliminary objection of the government.
Aggrieved by this the government filed appeals, some under certificates granted
by high courts and some under special leave granted by the Supreme Court.
Despite every high court ruling in favor of the detenus36. The Supreme Court Top
Top
ruled in favor the government. What the court except for Khanna, J. failed to
realise is that the right to personal to life and liberty are human rights and is not a
realise is that the right to personal to life and liberty are human rights and is not a
‘gift of the Constitution’. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights ,art. 4
recognises the right to life and personal liberty to be a non- derogable right even
during times of
emergency.

C) suspension of art.14 and 16

Arjun singh vs.state of rajasthan
The question arose whether art.16 is also suspended although it is not mentioned
in order,the rajasthan high court held that art.16 remained operative even though
art.14 was suspended.the court emphasized that under art.359 the enforcement
of only such fundamental rights was suspended as were specifically and expressly
mentioned in the presidential order.

S.R. Bommai Vs Union of India

Judgement and condition of art.356 after bommmai case-

The landmark case of S. R. Bommai v. Union of India, in the history of the Indian
Constitution has great implications in Center-State relations. It is in this case that
the Supreme Court boldly marked out the and limitations within which Article 356
has to function. The Supreme Court of India in its judgment in the case said that it
is well settled that Article 356 is an extreme power and is to be used as a last
method in cases where it is manifest that the constitutional machinery in a State
has collapsed.

The views expressed by the bench in the case are similar to the concern showed by
the Sarkaria Commission.
What are the observations of judges on Article 356 of Constitution of India- In this
case the bench observed that the power conferred by Article 356 upon the
President is a conditioned power. It is not an absolute power. The existence of
material - which may comprise of or include the report of the Governor is a pre-
condition. The satisfaction must be formed on relevant material, and must have
rational.

Similarly, Article 356 of the Constitution confers a power upon the President to be
exercised only where he is satisfied that a situation has arisen where the
Government of a State cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of
the Constitution. Under our Constitution, the power is really that of the Union
Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister at its head. The satisfaction
contemplated by the article is subjective in nature. However, the subjective
satisfaction if based on malice may be questioned in court of law.

The proclamation of emergency can be done by governor only after the approval
by both Houses of Parliament under clause (3) of Article 356, and not before. Until
such approval, the President can only suspend the Legislative Assembly by
suspending the provisions of Constitution relating to the Legislative Assembly
under sub-clause (c) of clause (1). However, the dissolution of Legislative Assembly
can be resorted on only where it is found necessary for achieving the purposes of
the Proclamation.

According to Article 356, clause (3) in case both Houses of Parliament disapprove
or do not approve the Proclamation, the Proclamation lapses at the end of the
two-month period, and in such a situation the gvernment which was dismissed
revives. Also the Legislative Assembly, which may have been kept in suspended
gets reactivated. Similarly, as the Proclamation lapses, the acts done, orders made
and laws passed during the period of two months do not become illegal or void.
However, the same laws may be considered for judicial review, repeal or
Top
Top
modification by various authorities.
On the other hand, if the Proclamation is approved by both the Houses within two
months, the Government which is dismissed does not revive on the expiry of
period of the proclamation or on its revocation. Similarly, if the Legislative
Assembly has been dissolved after the approval under clause (3), the Legislative
Assembly does not revive on the expiry of the period of Proclamation or on its
revocation.

The most important point of the court in the case is, according to it Article 74(2)
merely bars an enquiry into the question whether any, and if so, what advice was
tendered by the Ministers to the President. It does not bar the Court from calling
upon the Union Council of Ministers (Union of India) to disclose to the Court the
material upon which the President had formed the requisite satisfaction.

The material on the basis of which advice was tendered does not become part of
the advice. Even if the material is looked into by or shown to the President, it does
not partake the character of advice. Article 74(2) and Section 123 of the Evidence
Act cover different fields. It may happen that while defending the Proclamation,
the Minister or the official concerned may claim the privilege under Section 123. If
and when such privilege is claimed, it will be decided on its own merits in
accordance with the provisions of Section123.

Judicial review of imposition of Article 356

The remark of the Supreme Court that proclamation of emergency is not beyond
judicial review is welcome step. The court held that the Proclamation under Article
356(1) is not immune from judicial review. The Supreme Court or the High Court
can strike down the Proclamation if it is found to be mala fide or based on wholly
irrelevant or extraneous grounds.

Earlier, with 38th (Amendment) Act by the 44th (Amendment) Act, government had
taken out the power of reviewability of the action of imposition of emergency
under Article 356(1). Now, under the new circumstances, when called upon, the
Union of India has to produce the material on the basis of which action was taken.

CONCLUSION
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 geting beter and
beter.
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.
*********************
# Here in after to be considered as “article”
# Proclamation of National Emergency, EMERGENCY PROVISIONS, Aspects of the
Constitution of India
# Naga people’s movement of human rights V. union of india,AIR 1998 SC 431
Top
Top
# AIR 1980 SC 1789: (1980)2 SCC 591
# Sarkaria Commission was set up in June 1983 by the central government of
 p J y g
India. The Sarkaria Commission's charter was to examine the relationship and
balance of power between state and central governments in the country and
suggest changes within the framework of Constitution of India.The Commission
was so named as it was headed by Justice Rajinder Singh Sarkaria, a retired judge
of the Supreme Court of India. The other two members of the committee were
Shri B.Sivaraman and Dr.S.R.Sen.
# AIR 1994 SC 1918: (1994) 3 SCC 1
# The Secretary-General, Report of the Secretary-General: In Larger Freedom:
Towards Development, Security and Human Rights for All, delivered to the General
Assembly,
# As per the black’s law dictionary,9th Edn -by itself or oneself,in isolation
# A.D.M. Jabalpur vs. Shivkant Shukla, AIR 1976 SC 1207
# Makhan Singh vs. State of Punjab, AIR 1964 SC 381
# A.D.M. Jabalpur vs. Shivkant Shukla, AIR 1976 SC 1207
# Arjun singh vs. state of rajasthan,AIR 1975 Raj 217
# S.R. Bommai Vs Union of India,AIR 1994 SC 1918
The  author can be reached at: [email protected]

ISBN No: 978-81-928510-1-3

Print
Print this
this Article
Article

Author Bio:   Harshit Khare - I am a third year law student and an active writer. i
mostly write on constitutional issues and family laws.

Email:   [email protected]

Website:   http://alifeforlives.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2010-01-
01T00:00:00-08:00&updated-max=2011-01-0
Views:  107027
Comments  :  

Manikyacharyulu : Very lucid and informative

How To Submit Your Article:

Top
Top
Follow the Procedure Below To Submit Your Articles
Submit your Article by using our online form Click here
Note* we only accept Original Articles, we will not accept Articles
Already Published in other websites.
For Further Details Contact: [email protected]

File Your Copyright - Right Now!

Online Copyright Registration in India

Call us at: 9891244487 / or email at: [email protected]

Top
Top
File Divorce in Delhi - Right Now!
File Your Mutual Divorce -
Call us Right Now at: 9650499965 / or email at: [email protected]

Lawyers in India - Search By City

Delhi Mumbai Kolkata Chennai

Chandigarh Pune Siliguri Chandigarh
Allahabad Nagpur Durgapur Hyderabad
Lucknow Nashik Janjgir Coimbatore
Noida Ahmedabad Jaipur Eluru
Gurgaon Surat Ludhiana Belgaum
Faridabad Indore Dimapur Cochin
Jalandhar Agra Guwahati Rajkot
Vapi Jalgaon Amritsar Jodhpur

Top
Top
23 Comments Sort by Oldest

Add a comment...

Shivangi Sharma

Wow Nice Blog Lex Move is one of the best immigration consultants in

Delhi. They provide novel, reasonable and cost-effective solutions for

immigrating matters.

https://www.lexmove.org/immigration-consultants-for-canada/

<a href="https://www.lexmove.org/why-not-to-think-for-a-court.../">cout

marriage lawyer in delhi</a>

<a href="https://www.lexmove.org/why-not-to-think-for-a-court.../">indian

foreign marriage act</a>

<a href="https://www.lexmove.org/why-not-to-think-for-a-

court.../">foreign marriage act</a>

<a href="https://www.lexmove.org/why-not-to-think-for-a-

court.../">Marriage Lawyer</a>… See More

Like · Reply · 1 · 15w

Kina Patel

This is undoubtedly the best thing that I’ve come across today in the

internet. It was a long time that I have been thinking on this topic but I

couldn’t satiate my quench for knowledge through any post that I read.

However, today that I came across your article, I seem to have learnt a

lot and I have also gained enough knowledge on this topic. Thanks once

again.

https://www.justwebworld.com/the-dangers-of-cyber-fraud.../

Like · Reply · 15w

Abhijeet Waghmare

गुड
Like · Reply · 1 · 14w

Kisan Ingole

very good

Top
Top