The National Emergency provisions of the Indian Constitution can be invoked under:
- Threat of war or external aggression
The President can declare a National Emergency if he is satisfied that a grave emergency exists whereby the security of India or any part of the territory thereof is threatened, whether by war or external aggression or armed rebellion.
- Internal disturbances
The President can also declare a National Emergency if he is satisfied that a grave emergency exists whereby the security of India or any part of the territory thereof is threatened, whether by war or external aggression or armed rebellion, or by internal disturbance beyond the power of the State Government to control.
- Economic crisis
The President can also declare a National Emergency if he is satisfied that a grave emergency exists whereby the financial stability or credit of India or any part of the territory thereof is threatened.
The National Emergency provisions are very serious and should only be invoked in the most extreme circumstances. When a National Emergency is declared, the President can take a number of extraordinary powers, including:
- Suspending the Fundamental Rights of citizens
The President can suspend the Fundamental Rights of citizens, except for the right to life and personal liberty. This means that the government can restrict or remove other rights, such as the right to freedom of speech, the right to assemble, and the right to move freely.
- Taking over the administration of any State
The President can take over the administration of any State if he is satisfied that the State Government cannot or will not be able to carry out its functions in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
- Providing for the deployment of armed forces in any State
The President can provide for the deployment of armed forces in any State if he is satisfied that the State Government cannot or will not be able to maintain law and order in the State.
The National Emergency provisions are a powerful tool that can be used to deal with serious threats to the security of India. However, they should only be used in the most extreme circumstances, and the President must be careful not to abuse his powers.