Question

The President is the head of the State and exercises his/her powers on the advice of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers. With reference to this, answer the following question.

What are the three types of emergencies that can be proclaimed by the President?

Answer 1

The President can proclaim a state of emergency in the following cases:

1. National Emergency: If the president is satisfied that a grave emergency exists whereby the security of India or any part of its territory is threatened, either by war or by external aggression or armed rebellion, he may proclaim an emergency. Every proclamation of emergency must be approved by both the Houses of parliament within one month by a special majority it cannot remain in operation for more than six months at a time. At the end of six months it has to be renewed by parliament by a special majority else it lapses. If the lok sabha passes a resolution disapproving the emergency, the president has to revoke the proclamation.
2. Breakdown of Constitutional Machinery: If the president, on receipt of a report from the governor or otherwise, is satisfied that the governance of a state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the constitution, he/she may declare an emergency in the state. This is called president's rule because the president may assume to himself all or any of the functions of the government of the state. The duration of such an emergency is two months. If it were to continue beyond two months, it should be ratified by the parliament. The proclamation will cease to be valid for six months after the date of its issue even if the parliament ratifies it.
3. Financial Emergency: If the president is satisfied that a situation has arisen whereby the financial stability or credit of the nation is threatened, he/she can declare a financial emergency. such a proclamation has to be laid before both houses of parliament and is valid for two months unless it is approved by resolutions of both houses of parliament.