Understanding State of Emergency in India

A state of emergency is a period of governmental rule that can be proclaimed by the President of India under certain circumstances outlined in the Constitution. This allows the central government to assume greater control over the states.

The Constitution of India provides for three types of emergencies:

• National Emergency (Article 352): Declared due to war, external aggression, or armed rebellion.
• State Emergency or President's Rule (Article 356): Declared when the government of a state cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.
• Financial Emergency (Article 360): Declared if the financial stability or credit of India is threatened.

The question specifically asks about the number of times a 'state of emergency' has been declared, which typically refers to the National Emergency under Article 352.

Declarations of National Emergency in India

Since India gained independence in 1947, a National Emergency under Article 352 of the Constitution has been declared three times.

Let's look at each instance of the national emergency declaration:

1. First National Emergency (1962-1968):

   This emergency was declared on 26th October 1962, in response to the Chinese aggression on India's northern borders during the Sino-Indian War. It was proclaimed under the ground of 'external aggression'. The emergency remained in force even after the war ended and was finally revoked only on 10th January 1968.

2. Second National Emergency (1971-1977):

   This emergency was declared on 3rd December 1971, during the Indo-Pak War. It was also proclaimed under the ground of 'external aggression'. This emergency continued and overlapped with the third emergency.

3. Third National Emergency (1975-1977):

   This emergency was declared on 25th June 1975. Unlike the previous two, this one was declared under the ground of 'internal disturbance' (which was later changed to 'armed rebellion' by the 44th Amendment). It was declared by President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed on the advice of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. This emergency is often referred to as 'The Emergency'. Both the second and third emergencies were revoked on 21st March 1977.

Thus, a National Emergency has been declared a total of three times in India since independence.

Revision Table: India's Emergency Declarations

Additional Information: Types of Emergency in India

Understanding the different types of emergencies is crucial:

• National Emergency (Article 352): Affects the entire country or a large part. Proclaimed by the President. Requires parliamentary approval every six months to continue. Fundamentally alters the distribution of powers between the Union and states and affects Fundamental Rights.
• State Emergency (President's Rule - Article 356): Applies to a specific state. Proclaimed by the President based on the Governor's report or otherwise. Requires parliamentary approval every six months, maximum duration is usually three years (with exceptions). The state government is dismissed, and the President governs through the Governor.
• Financial Emergency (Article 360): Has never been declared in India. Proclaimed by the President. Requires parliamentary approval within two months and continues indefinitely until revoked. Central government can give directions to states on financial matters, including reduction of salaries of government employees.

While President's Rule (State Emergency) has been imposed numerous times in various states, the question asks about the overall 'state of emergency' declaration, referring to the National Emergency which impacts the entire nation or a large part, and is distinct in its grounds and effects compared to President's Rule or Financial Emergency. Therefore, the correct count for National Emergency declarations is three.