Quiz on Emergency: Test Your Knowledge on Emergency Provisions in India

Today is the 50th Anniversary of "The Emergency" which then Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi imposed on all over the nation. In the inaugural meeting of the new Lok Sabha on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to the 50 years of the historic Emergency as a "black spot" on India's democracy.

Let's test your knowledge on the provisions of Emergency in India with this quiz consisting of 9 questions. If you can answer all of them correctly, then BRAVO! You are a pro in understanding the constitutional provisions related to emergencies. Let's get started!

1. What is a synonym for an emergency?

(A) President's Rule  

(B) State Emergency  

(C) Constitutional Emergency  

(D) All of the above  

2. Which constitutional amendment enabled the President to declare a National Emergency in any part of India?

(A) 39th  

(B) 40th  

(C) 42nd  

(D) 100th  

3. When was the term "armed rebellion" introduced into the Constitution for declaring a National Emergency?

(A) After the 44th Constitution Amendment Act  

(B) After the 42nd Constitution Amendment Act  

(C) After the 40th Constitution Amendment Act  

(D) After the 38th Constitution Amendment Act  

4. In What time, parliament must approve the imposition of Emergency?

(A) 1 month  

(B) 2 months  

(C) 6 months  

(D) 3 months  

5. If approved by both Houses of Parliament, how long will a National Emergency remain in effect?

(A) 1 month  

(B) 2 months  

(C) 6 months  

(D) 3 months  

6. Which article allows for a National Emergency in the event of war, external aggression, or armed rebellion?

(A) 356  

(B) 352  

(C) 360  

(D) None of the above  

Also Read: Quiz on Indira Gandhi: Iron Lady of India, the Lady who Imposed Emergency

7. How many times has a financial emergency been declared in India?

(A) 1  

(B) 2  

(C) 3  

(D) Never  

8. Which Fundamental Rights are not automatically suspended during a National Emergency?

(A) Article 19  

(B) Article 20  

(C) Article 21  

(D) Both B and C  

9. How many times has a National Emergency been declared in India?

(A) 2  

(B) 3  

(C) 4  

(D) 5  

Answers:

1. (D) All of the above

Explanation: The President's rule is also known as State Emergency and Constitutional Emergency. This term is used when the central government takes control of a state government due to the failure of constitutional machinery.

2. (C) 42nd 

Explanation: The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 is the constitutional amendment that empowered the Indian President to declare a national emergency in the whole country or in any specific region of the country. This amendment, enacted during the Emergency period under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's administration, stands as one of the most significant and controversial changes to the Indian Constitution.

3. (A) After the 44th Constitution Amendment Act 

Explanation: The term 'internal disturbance' was replaced with 'armed rebellion' by the 44th Constitution Amendment Act of 1978 because of its misuse by Indira Gandhi in the year 1975, when she declared an emergency nationwide using ‘internal disturbance’ as the cause.

4. (A) One month

Explanation: Originally, Parliament needed to approve the imposition of a National Emergency within two months, but the 44th Constitution Amendment Act shortened this period to one month.

5. (C) 6 Months

Explanation: A six-month period will be allowed for a national emergency if both houses of parliament accept it. However, in order to continue, it needs to be reapproved by both Houses every six months. This clause ensures that parliamentary monitoring and periodic reviews of the emergency powers are implemented. 

6. (B) 352 

Explanation: According to Article 352 of the Indian Constitution, the President may declare a National Emergency if he determines that there is a serious emergency and that war, foreign aggression, or armed revolt pose a threat to the security of India or any portion of its territory. The proclamation is originally valid for six months and needs to be approved by both Houses of Parliament within a month.

7. (D) Never

Explanation: India has never implemented a Financial Emergency under Article 360. The President may declare a financial emergency, as defined by Article 360 of the Indian Constitution if he or she is convinced that there is a threat to the financial stability or credit of India or any portion of its territory. 

8. (D) Both B and C

Explanation: During a National Emergency, the Fundamental Rights under Articles 20 (Protection in respect of conviction) and 21 (Right to life) are not automatically suspended.

9. (B) 3 

Explanation: Since its independence, India has declared three national emergencies. The first incident occurred in 1962 during the Indo-China War, as hostilities along China's border with India increased. The second took place in 1971 amid the Indo-Pakistan War, which resulted in Bangladesh's formation. The most controversial declaration, dubbed "The Emergency," was made by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1975. There was a lot of media restriction and political repression during this time.

Also Read: 18th Lok Sabha Session: Key Highlights of Narendra Modi Speech, “Youth of India will never forget…”