NCERT introduces Emergency in Class 9 textbook

Why in News?

The newly released NCERT Class 9 Social Science textbook (25 June) includes a dedicated section on the 1975 Emergency, highlighting its impact on democracy, fundamental rights, press freedom, and constitutional governance in India.

About Emergency Provisions in India (Part XVIII of the Constitution)

• Part XVIII (Articles 352–360) of the Constitution provides for emergency provisions to enable the Union Government to deal with extraordinary situations threatening the security, governance, or financial stability of the country.
• The Constitution provides for three types of emergencies:
  1. National Emergency (Article 352)
  2. President’s Rule/State Emergency (Article 356)
  3. Financial Emergency (Article 360)-No Financial Emergency has been declared in India so far.

National Emergency (Article 352)

• The President may proclaim a National Emergency on the written advice of the Union Cabinet if the security of India or any part thereof is threatened by:
  • War,
  • External aggression, or
  • Armed rebellion.
• Originally, the Constitution used the term “internal disturbance”, which was replaced by “armed rebellion” through the 44th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1978 to prevent misuse.
• The proclamation must be approved by both Houses of Parliament within one month.
• If approved, it remains in force for six months and can be extended indefinitely with parliamentary approval every six months.
• Every approval or extension requires a special majority in both Houses of Parliament.

Effects of National Emergency

• Parliament can extend the normal five-year term of the Lok Sabha by one year at a time during the Emergency.
• Parliament gains the power to legislate on matters in the State List.
• The Union government’s executive authority extends over the states.
• Certain Fundamental Rights may be suspended, and the federal balance shifts in favour of the Centre.

National Emergencies Declared in India

1. 26 October 1962 – Proclaimed due to the India–China War.
2. 3 December 1971 – Proclaimed during the India–Pakistan War.
3. 25 June 1975 – Proclaimed on the ground of “internal disturbance” during the tenure of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. During this period, civil liberties were curtailed, press censorship was imposed, and several opposition leaders were detained.

Source: IE, & HT

CLICK HERE: UPSC PRELIMS & MAINS CURRENT AFFAIRS BASED WEEKLY TEST (ENG & HINDI)

CLICK HERE FOR GS TIMES PRAHAR UPSC MAINS TEST SERIES 

CLICK HERE: DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ (FOR ALL EXAMINATIONS)