Why in the News? 

June 26, 2025 marks 50 years since the declaration of Emergency in India (1975) by the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. 

What is a National Emergency? (Article 352) 

• A National Emergency is a constitutional provision that allows the President of India to declare Emergency if the security of the nation or part of it is at risk. 
• It can be declared in cases of, 
• War 
• External Aggression 
• Armed Rebellion 
  (Earlier, “internal disturbance” was a ground—removed by the 44th Amendment, 1978.) 

Process of Proclamation (Article 352) 

• Cabinet Recommendation: Must be made in writing by the Union Cabinet (not just the PM). 
• Anticipatory Declaration: Can be proclaimed even before war, external aggression, or armed rebellion occurs. 
• Parliamentary Approval 
  • Must be approved by both Houses within 30 days. 
  • Requires a special majority: 
    • Majority of the total membership, and 
    • Two-thirds of members present and voting. 
• Duration 
  • Valid for 6 months. 
  • Can be extended indefinitely with reapproval every 6 months. 

Revocation of Emergency 

• The President can revoke it anytime without Parliament’s approval. 
  • Lok Sabha can end it if 
  • 1/10th of members request a session (within 14 days), and 
  • A simple majority votes against it.