SSC CGL Polity · Indian Constitution — Making, Foundation and Amendments
Emergency Provisions
Part XVIII's three emergencies (for the country, for one State, and for the nation's finances): their Articles, how soon Parliament must approve each, and what each lets the Union do.
Why this matters
Ten questions in the bank: two from the 2024 shifts and eight from the 2025 shifts, nine of them EASY. They ask an Article number or a time limit, so a three-row table of Articles and deadlines answers nearly all of them.
Concept 1 of 2: National Emergency and President's Rule
Definition
National Emergency (Art 352): on war, external aggression or armed rebellion.
- Both Houses must approve it within one month (two months before the 44th Amendment of 1978). Once approved it lasts six months and can be extended.
- Art 250: while it lasts, Parliament may make laws on State List subjects.
- Art 359: the enforcement of Fundamental Rights may be suspended, except Articles 20 and 21.
President's Rule (Art 356): when the constitutional machinery of a State fails, usually on the Governor's report.
- The President takes over the State government's functions; the State legislature's powers pass to Parliament.
- Both Houses must approve it within two months.
- It is called the most controversial Article of the Constitution.
Practice this conceptself-check · 4 quick reps
The same idea in a real exam question:
Example 1 · Indian Constitution — Making, Foundation and Amendments · Emergency Provisions
One month for 352, two for 356
Concept 2 of 2: Financial Emergency
Definition
Financial Emergency (Art 360):
- Declared by the President when India's financial stability or credit is under threat.
- The President may order cuts in the salaries of Union employees, including judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts.
- It has never been declared, not even in the crisis of 1991.
Do not mix it with Article 365, which deals with a State failing to follow the Union's directions.
Practice this conceptself-check · 3 quick reps
The same idea in a real exam question:
Example 2 · Indian Constitution — Making, Foundation and Amendments · Emergency Provisions
1991 was a crisis, not an emergency
Summary — formulas & gotchas at a glance
A revision cheat-sheet for the formulas and gotchas above. Click any concept name to jump back to its full explanation.
Reference tables (2)
Watch out for (2)
- One month for 352, two for 356→ National Emergency and President's Rule
- 1991 was a crisis, not an emergency→ Financial Emergency
Test yourself on Indian Constitution — Making, Foundation and Amendments
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