22nd February 1977 MISA And Emergency Was Cancelled
Published : March 15, 2011 | Author : harshit_khare
Category : Constitutional Law | Total Views : 25378 | Rating :   | |||||
Title of the topic basically talks about two main and important factors of Indian
constitution of India i.e. “Emergency provision & fundamental rights”
When the Constitution of India was being drafted, India was passing through a
period of Stress and strain. Partition of the country, communal riots and the
problem concerning the Merger of princely states including Kashmir. Thus, the
Constitution-makers thought to Equip the Central Government with the necessary
authority, so that, in the hour of emergency, When the security and stability of
the country is threatened by internal and external threats. Therefore, some
emergency provisions were made in Constitution to safeguard and protect the
security, integrity and stability of the country and effective functioning of State
Governments.
Keeping in view the above stated points constitution makers inserted three
kinds of emergency.
Emergency provision falls in PART-XVIII of the constitution of india from
art.352 to art. 360
1. National emergency (Article 352 of the constitution of india) 2. State emergency (Article 356 of the constitution of india) 3. Financial emergency (Article 360 of the constitution of india) Before moving to other points first we shall look into emergency provision and
elaborate them.
NATIONAL EMERGENCY As it is very clear from the opening words of the above stated heading,national
emergency deals with constitutional provisions to be applied,whenever there
are inbalance in the society in the whole country and not in a particular or specific
region or state.
1.1:-Art. 352 reads that- 352. Proclamation of Emergency.—(1) If the President is satisfied that a grave
emergency exists whereby the security of India or of any part of the territory
thereof is threatened, whether by war or external aggression or armed rebellion,
he may, by Proclamation, make a declaration to that effect in respect of the whole
of India or of such part of the territory thereof as may be specified in the Proclamation.
Explanation-A Proclamation of Emergency declaring that the security of India or
any part of the territory thereof is threatened by war or by external aggression or
by armed rebellion may be made before the actual occurrence of war or of any
such aggression or rebellion, if the President is satisfied that there is imminent
situations that may threaten the peace, security, stability and governance of
the country or a part thereof.
The Constitution of India has provided for imposition of emergency caused by
war, external aggression or internal rebellion. This is described as the National
Emergency. This type of emergency can be declared by the President of India
if he is satisfied that the situation is very grave and the security of India or any
part thereof is threatened or is likely to be threatened either, by war or external
aggression by armed rebellion within the country. The President can issue such
a proclamation even on the ground of threat of war or aggression. According to
the 44th Amendment of the Constitution, the President can declare such an
emergency only if the Cabinet recommends in writing to do so.
Role of 44th amendment we will be discussing in later sub heads. As far as proclamation of national emergency is concerned,there are certain
basic points which are stated in previous statements.those are-
that the security of India or any part of the territory thereof is threatened-this
statements talks about the situation when either the country wholly or any part
of the country,but that would not be considered as state emergency,also this
kind of proclamation may be made before the actual occurrence of such war,
external aggression or armed rebellion.
by war or by external aggression-the opening words itself are of explanatory
nature,so they don’t need to be explained much. when ever other objects
(not within the Indian territory) try to create problems for India and its citizens
through war or aggression.
armed rebellion within the country-the word “armed rebellion” was not there
in the constitutional provisions from the very beginning.before 1978 an
emergency could be declared because of “war,external aggression or
internal disturbance”, that was too vague and broad in sense.the 44th
constitutional amendment substituted the word “armed rebellion” for internal
disturbance.
Supreme court explained in one of the case,the expression “internal
disturbance "has a wider connotation than “armed rebellion” in the sense
that armed rebellion is likely to pose a threat to the security of the country
or a part thereof, while internal disturbace, though serious in nature, would
not pose a threat to the security of the country or a part thereof.
The intention underlying the substitution of the words internal disturbance
by “armed rebellion ”is to limit the invocation of art. 352 only to more
serious situations where there is a threat to the security of the country.
1.2:- procedure of proclaiming emergency- As I have already said that such a proclamation can be made by the
president of the country,but there are some provision for that too, the
President can declare such an emergency only if the Cabinet
recommends in writing to do so. Such a proclamation of emergency
has to be approved by both the Houses of Parliament by absolute
majority of the total membership of the Houses as well as 2/3
majority of members present and voting within one month, otherwise
the proclamation ceases to operate.
In case the Lok Sabha stands dissolved at the time of proclamation of
emergency or is not in session, it has to be approved by the Rajya Sabha
within one month and later on by the Lok Sabha also within one month of
the start of its next session. Once approved by the Parliament, the
emergency remains in force for a period of six months from the date of
proclamation. In case it is to be extended beyond six months, another
prior resolution has to be passed by the Parliament. In this way, such
emergency continues indefinitely.
In the case of Minerva Mills ltd.vs Union of India held that there is no
bar to judicial review of the validity of the proclamation of emergency
issued by the president under 352(1). However, court's power is
limited only to examining whether the limitations conferred by the
constitution have been observed or not. It can check if the satisfaction
of the president is valid or not. If the satisfaction is based on mala fide or
absurd or irrelevant grounds, it is no satisfaction at all.
1.3:- procedure of revocking emergency- If the situation improves the emergency can be revoked by another proclamation
by the President of India.
The 44th Amendment of the Constitution provides that ten per cent or more
members of the Lok Sabha can requisition a meeting of the Lok Sabha and in
that meeting, it can disapprove or revoke the emergency by a simple majority.
In such a case emergency will immediately become inoperative.
1.4:-Effects of national emergency- The declaration of National Emergency has effects both on the rights of
individuals and the autonomy of the states in the following manner :
The most significant effect is that the federal form of the Constitution changes
into unitary. The authority of the Centre increases and the Parliament assumes
the power to make laws for the entire country or any part thereof, even in respect
of subjects mentioned in the State List.
The President of India can issue directions to the states as to the manner in
which the executive power of the states is to be exercised.
During period, the Lok Sabha can extend tenure by a period of 1 year at a time.
But the same cant be extended beyond 6 months after the proclamation ceases
to operate. The tenure of State Assemblies can also be extended in the same
manner.
During emergency, the President is empowered to modify the provisions
regarding distribution of revenues between the Union and the States.
The Fundamental Rights under Article 19 are automatically suspended and
this suspension continues till the end of the emergency.
But according to the 44th Amendment, Freedoms listed in Article 19 can be
suspended only in case of proclamation on the ground of war or external
aggression. From the above discussion, it becomes quite clear that emergency
not only suspends the autonomy of the States but also converts the federal
structure of India into a unitary one. Still it is considered necessary as it equips
the Union Government with vast powers to cope up with the abnormal situations.
EFFECT OF NATIONAL EMERGENCY FALLS IN ART.353 OF THE
CONSTITUTION OF INDIA.
STATE EMERGENCY 2.1:-Art. 356 reads that- 356. Provisions in case of failure of constitutional machinery in States.—(1)
If the President, on receipt of a report from the Governor of a State or
otherwise, is satisfied that a situation has arisen in which the Government
of the State cannot be carried on in accordance with the provisions of this
Constitution, the President may by Proclamation—
(a) assume to himself all or any of the functions of the Government of the
State and all or any of the powers vested in or exercisable by the Governor
or any body or authority in the State other than the Legislature of the State;
(b) declare that the powers of the Legislature of the State shall be exercisable
by or under the authority of Parliament;
(c) make such incidental and consequential provisions as appear to the
President to be necessary or desirable for giving effect to the objects of the
Proclamation, including provisions for suspending in whole or in part the
operation of any provisions of this Constitution relating to any body or authority
in the State:
Provided that nothing in this clause shall authorise the President to assume to
himself any of the powers vested in or exercisable by a High Court, or to
suspend in whole or in part the operation of any provision of this Constitution
relating to High Courts.
Reason being- It is the duty of the Union Government to ensure that governance of a State
is carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. Under
Article 356, the President may issue a proclamation to impose emergency in a
state if he is satisfied on receipt of a report from the Governor of the State, or
otherwise, that a situation has arisen under which the Government of the
State cannot be carried on smoothly. In such a situation, proclamation of
emergency by the President is called ‘proclamation on account of the
failure (or breakdown) of constitutional machinery.’ In popular language
it is called the President’s Rule.
2.2:- procedure of proclaiming state emergency- Like National Emergency, such a proclamation must also be placed before
both the Houses
of Parliament for approval. In this case approval must be given within two
months, otherwise the proclamation ceases to operate. If approved by the
Parliament, the proclamation remains valid for six months at a time. It can
be extended for another six months but not beyond one year. However,
emergency in a State can be extended beyond one year if
(a) a National Emergency is already in operation; or if (b) the Election Commission certifies that the election to the State Assembly
cannot be held.
2.3:- procedure of revocking state emergency- Any such Proclamation may be revoked by a subsequent Proclamation. Every Proclamation shall be laid before each House of Parliament and shall,
except where it is a Proclamation revoking a previous Proclamation, cease to
operate at the expiration of two months unless before the expiration of that
period it has been approved by resolutions of both Houses of Parliament:
Provided that if any such Proclamation (not being a Proclamation revoking
a previous Proclamation) is issued at a time when the House of the People
is dissolved or the dissolution of the House of the People takes place during
the period of two months referred to in this clause, and if a resolution
approving the Proclamation has been passed by the Council of States,
but no resolution with respect to such Proclamation has been passed by
the House of the People before the expiration of that period, the Proclamation
shall cease to operate at the expiration of thirty days from the date on which
the House of the People first sits after its reconstitution unless before the
expiration of the said period of thirty days a resolution approving the
Proclamation has been also passed by the House of the People.
2.4:- effect of state emergency- The declaration of emergency due to the breakdown of Constitutional
machinery in a State has the following effects:
The President can assume to himself all or any of the functions of the State
Government or he may vest all or any of those functions with the Governor
or any other executive authority.
The President may dissolve the State Legislative Assembly or put it under
suspension. He may authorise the Parliament to make laws on behalf of the
State Legislature.
The President can make any other incidental or consequential provision
necessary to give effect to the object of proclamation.
2.5:-criticism of president’s rule- The way President’s Rule was imposed on various occasions has raised
many questions. At times the situation really demanded it. But at other times,
President’s Rule was imposed purely on political grounds to topple the ministry
formed by a party different from the one at the Centre, even if that particular
party enjoyed majority in the Legislative Assembly. Suspending or dissolving
assemblies and not giving a chance to the other political parties to form
governments in states has been due to partisan consideration of the
Union Government, for which Article 356 has been clearly misused.
In view of the above facts, Article 356 has become very controversial. In
spite of the safeguards provided by the 44th Amendment Act, this provision
has been alleged to be misused by the Union Government. That is why,
there is a demand either for its deletion or making provision in the Constitution to
restrict the misuse of this Article. The Sarkaria Commission which was appointed
to review the Centre–State relations also recommended that Article 356 should
be used only as a last resort. The Commission also suggested that the State
Legislative Assembly should not be dissolved unless the proclamation is
approved by the Parliament. It further suggested that all possibilities of forming
an alternative government should be fully explored before the Centre imposes
emergency in a State on grounds of breakdown of Constitutional machinery.
The Supreme Court held in the Bommai case that the Assembly may not be
dissolved till the Proclamation is approved by the Parliament. On a few
occasions such as when Gujral Government recommended use of Article 356
in Uttar Pradesh, the President returned the recommendation for
reconsideration.The Union Government took the hint and dropped the proposal.
FINANCIAL EMERGENCY 3.1:- Art. 360 reads that- 360. Provisions as to financial emergency.—If the President is satisfied that
a situation has arisen whereby the financial stability or credit of India or of
any part of the territory thereof is threatened, he may by a Proclamation
make a declaration to that effect.
The third type of Emergency is Financial Emergency provided under
Article 360. It provides that if the President is satisfied that the financial
stability or credit of India or any of its part is in danger, he may declare a
state of Financial Emergency. Like the other two types of emergencies, it
has also to be approved by the Parliament. It must be approved by both
Houses of Parliament within two months. Financial Emergency can operate
as long as the situation demands and may be revoked by a subsequent
proclamation.
Art 360 provides that if the president is satisfied that a situation has arisen
whereby the financial security of India or the credit of India or of any part of
India is threatened, he may make a declaration to that effect. Under such
situation, the executive and legislative powers will go to the centre. This
article has never been invoked.
A Proclamation issued under Art. 360— (a) may be revoked or varied by a subsequent Proclamation (b) shall be laid before each House of Parliament (c) shall cease to operate at the expiration of two months, unless before the
expiration of that period it has been approved by resolutions of both Houses
of Parliament.
IN INDIA FINANCIAL EMERGENCY HAS NEVER TAKEN PLACE,SO
REGARDING THIS MATTER WE DON’T HAVE SUFFICIENT INFORMATION ,
BACAUSE NO DISPUTE EVER AROSE OR ANY CASE LAW EVER CAME
IN THE LIGHT.
3.2:- Effects of Financial Emergency- The proclamation of Financial Emergency may have the following
consequences:
(a) The Union Government may give direction to any of the States regarding
financial matters.
(b) The President may ask the States to reduce the salaries and allowances
of all or any class of persons in government service.
(c) The President may ask the States to reserve all the money bills for the
consideration of the Parliament after they have been passed by the State Legislature.
(d) The President may also give directions for the reduction of salaries and allowances
of the Central Government employees including the Judges of the Supreme
Court and the High Courts.
As mentioned earlier So far, fortunately, financial emergency has never
been proclaimed.
FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS 4.1:-DEFINITION- Fundamental Rights are those basic conditions of social life without which
a citizen cannot be at his best self or those basic conditions which are very
essential for the good life of a citizen.
In pre-constitutional india we didn’t had any concept of fundamental rights,We
have borrowed the concept of Fundamental Rights from U.S.A. which was the
first country in the world, to include a Bill of Rights in its constitution.
fundamental rights falls In Part III of the Constitution from art. 12 to art. 35. the Fundamental Rights are justiciable when we say word“justiciable” It means
that the citizens can seek the assistance of the courts for the enforcement of
their Fundamental Rights under article 32 (Supreme Court) and article 226
(High Courts).
An individual as well as group of people can ask the court to issue the writs- The writ of certiorari is one of the writs issued by the High Court or the Supreme
court to protect the Fundamental rights of the citizens. It is issued to a lower
court directing it that the record of a case be sent up for review with all the
files, evidence and documents with an aim to overrule the judgement of the
lower court.
The writ of mandamus is an order of a court of law issued to a subordinate
court or an officer of government or a corporation or any other institution
commanding the performance of certain acts or duties.
The Fundamental Rights can also be suspended during the Emergency
under Article 359 of the Constitution by the President of India.as we discussed
earlier during national emergency
these rights can be suspended but not those conferred in art. 20 and art. 21. The Fundamental Rights are not absolute in nature.Certain restrictions can
be placed on them in the interest of security of the state, public order, friendly
relations with foreign states and to maintain decency or morality.
4.2:-description of fundamental rights- U.S.A. was the first country in the world to make a provision for the Bill
of Rights for its citizens.
The Fundamental Rights are contained in Part III of the Constitution.The
the above Articles not only the rights have been defined elaborately but
limitations have also been laid down.
there are some restrictions too,Due to these very restrictions it has been
contended them that the Indian Constitution which has granted the fundamental
rights with one hand has taken them away with the other hand.
These Fundamental Rights can be suspended during emergency by the
President of India under Article 359.
The Fundamental Rights are justiciable. Under Article 32 of the Constitution,
a person can go to the Supreme Court for the enforcement of these rights.
Similarly, under Article 226 a person can go to the High Courts for the
enforcement of these rights within their territorial jurisdiction.
Following are the Fundamental Rights granted under the Constitution of
India:
(i) Right to Equality Articles 14 to 18 of the Indian Constitution have been devoted to the Right
to Equality. This right ensures social and political equality to the citizens of
India. The Right to Equality means the following things:
(a) Article 14 guarantees to all persons equality before the law and equal
protection of laws within the territory of India. This Article asserts the
supremacy of law or Rule of law.
(b) Every citizen irrespective of his status is subject to the same law
and the same courts. Any law which is discriminatory in its character
will be held unconstitutional.
(c) According to Article 15 the state shall not discriminate against any
citizen on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth.
(d) The citizens will not be subjected to any disability on any of the above
mentioned grounds in regard to access to shops, hotels, places of public
entertainment or the use of wells, tanks, ghats, roads and other public
places wholly or maintained out of state funds.
(e) Article 16 has guaranteed equality of opportunity in matters relating
to employment or appointment to public services to all citizens irrespective
of religion, race, sex, descent, place of birth or residence.
(f) Article 17 has declared untouchability in any form as unconstitutional. (g) Article 18 has laid down that no titles, not being military or academic
distinction, shall be conferred by the State.
(h) But nothing in the above Article 16 will prevent the state from making
any provision for the reservation of appointments or posts in favor of any
backward class of citizens which, in the opinion of the State, is not
adequately represented in the services under the State.
(ii) Right to Freedom Articles 19 to 22 of the Constitution cover the Right to Freedom. Out of
freedoms are guaranteed to the citizens of India:
(a) Freedom of speech and expression; (b) Freedom to assemble peaceably and without arms; (c) Freedom to form associations or unions; (d) Freedom to move freely throughout the territory of India; (e) Freedom to reside and settle in any part of the territory of India; (f) Freedom to practice any profession, or to carry on any occupation,
trade or business.
But nothing in the above shall prevent the state from making any law,
insofar as such law imposes reasonable restrictions in the interest of
the sovereignty and integrity of India or the security of state, friendly
relations with foreign states, public order, decency or morality, or in relation
to contempt of court, defamation or incitement to an offence.
The other three Articles protect the individual's life and liberty as under: (a) Article 20 states "No person shall be convicted of any offence except for
violation of a law in force at the time of the commission of the act charged as
an offence, nor be subjected to a penalty greater than that which might have
been inflicted under the law in force at the time of the commission of the
offence".
(b) No person shall be prosecuted and punished for the same offence
more than once.
(c) No person who is accused of any offence, shall be compelled to be a
witness against himself.
(d) Article 21 states that no person shall be deprived of his life or personal
liberty except according to procedure established by law. The Supreme Court
has held in Maneka Gandhi Vs. Union of India (1978) that the aforesaid
procedure must not be arbitrary, unfair or unreasonable.
(e) Article 22 states that no person who is arrested shall be detained in
custody without being informed, as soon as may be, of the grounds for
such arrest nor shall he be denied the right to consult a legal practitioner
of his choice.
(f) Every person who is arrested and detained in custody without the authority
of a magistrate shall be produced before the nearest magistrate within a
period of twenty-four hours of such arrest excluding the time necessary for
journey from place of arrest to the court of the magistrate.
(g) Of course, the above does not prevent the state from enacting the law for
preventive detention with certain safeguards like the Advisory Board, etc.
(iii) Right against Exploitation Article 23 and 24 deal with this Right. (a) Under Article 23, traffic in human beings and begar and 9ther similar
forms of forced labor are prohibited and any contravention of this provision
shall be an offence punishable in accordance with law.
(b) Of course, nothing in the above Article shall prevent the state from
imposing compulsory service for public purposes, and in imposing such
service, the state shall not make any discrimination on grounds only of
religion, race, caste or class or any of them.
(c) Article 24 says that "No child below the age of fourteen years shall be
employed to work in any factory or mine or engaged in any other hazardous
employment."
(iv) Right to Freedom of Religion This right has been dealt with under Articles 25-28. Following are the main points: (a) Article 25 gives freedom of conscience and freedom to profess, practice
and propagate any religion subject of course to public order, morality and
health.
(b) Article 26 grants every citizen the right to establish and maintain institutions
for religious and charitable purposes, to manage its own affairs in matters
of religion, to own and acquire movable and immovable property and to
administer such property in accordance with law.
(c) Under Article 27 "No person shall be compelled to pay any taxes, the
proceeds of which are specifically appropriated in payment of expenses for
the promotion or maintenance of any particular religion or religious
denomination".
(d) Article 28 states "No religious instruction shall be imparted in any
educational institution wholly maintained out of State funds." But the
educational institutions established by trusts or endowments and managed
by them would be free to impart any religious instruction in them as they
deem essential.
The Articles relating to the freedom of religion have helped to establish a
Secular State in India with the State adopting an attitude of strict
impartiality in matters of religion.
(v) Cultural and Educational Rights : Articles 29 and 30 deal with these rights. These articles ensure, to every
section of the citizens, the protection of their language, script or culture.
(a) Article 29 states that "Any section of the citizens residing in the territory
of India or any port thereof having a distinct language, script or culture of
its own shall have the right to conserve the some."
(b) No citizen shall be denied admission into any educational institution
maintained by the State or receiving aid out of State funds on grounds
only of religion, race, caste, language or any of them.
(c) Article 30 states that "All minorities, whether based on religion or
language, shall have the right to establish and administer educational
institutions of their choice."
(d) The State shall not, in granting aid to educational institutions, discriminate
against any educational institution on the ground that it is under the
management of a minority, whether based on religion or language.
(vi) Right to Constitutional Remedies (a) The right to move the Supreme Court by appropriate proceedings for the
enforcement of the rights conferred by the Constitution has been guaranteed
under Arlicle 32.
(b) The Supreme Court shall have the power to issue directions or order or
writs including writs in the nature of habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo
warranto and certiorari whichever may be appropriate, for the enforcement of
any of the rights conferred by this Part.
(c) The right guaranteed by this Article shall not be suspended except as
otherwise provided for by the Constitution.
(d) This right can only be suspended during an Emergency by the President
of India under Article 359.
(e) These above-mentioned writs can also be issued by the High Courts for
protecting Fundamental Rights under Article 226 of the Constitution within
their territorial jurisdiction.
(f) This right relating to constitutional remedies was rightly described by
Dr. Ambedkar as the "heart and soul of the Constitution". This description
is quite justified as in the absence of this right all other rights are of no
consequence since they could not be enforced. This right makes the
other rights as justiciable.
NEED FOR EMERGENCY 1. NEED FOR NATIONAL EMERGENCY IN INDIA- National Emergency has been declared in our country three times so far. For the first time,emergency was declared on 26 October 1962 after China
attacked our borders in the North East. This National Emergency lasted till
10 January 1968, long after the hostilities ceased.
For the second time, it was declared on 3 December 1971 in the wake of the
second India-Pakistan War and was lifted on 21 March 1977. While the
second emergency, on the basis of external aggression, was in operation,
third National Emergency (called internal emergency) was imposed on
25 June 1975. This emergency was declared on the ground of ‘internal
disturbances’. Internal disturbances justified impositin of the emergency
despite the fact that the government was already armed with the powers
provided during the second National Emergency of 1971 which was still in
operation.
AND AS WE DISCUSSED IN EARLIER POINTS,THAT AFTER 1978 THE
WORD”INTERNAL DISTURBANCES” WAS SUBSTITUTED BY “ARMED
REBELLION”. TO NARROW THE VIEW OF DISTURBANCES ANT TO
REMOVE THE VAGUENESS AND AMBIGUITY.
The basic need for an emergency occurs whenever there is imbalance
within the country, whether wholly or partly.
The ultimate aim and object of every government or political entity is to
secure good life and safe life to its citizen, and the time we say citizen it
means the public of country at large.
Whether we talk about the first emergency caused by china attack or the
second or the third emergency, in all the cases the social equilibrium of the
country was imbalanced and security of citizen was on the stack.
Emergency though suspend the fundamental rights excluding those conferred
in art.20 and art. 21,it does transfer the powers from the hand of state
government to the hand of central government. but this all phenomenon
took place just to secure its citizen. this is what the concept and policy of
“welfare state”-“greatest happiness to greatest number”
Fundamental rights are given to individual, and the only reason they are
suspended during an emergency is to secure the people of country at large.
Social interest is always upper then that of individual interest. 2.NEED FOR STATE EMERGENCY IN INDIA- This type of emergency has been imposed in most of the States at one
time or the other for a number of times. in 1951 that this type of emergency
was imposed for the first time in the Punjab State.
In 1957, the Kerala State was put under the President’s Rule. There have been many cases of misuse of ‘constitutional breakdown’.For
example, in 1977 when Janata Party came into power at the Centre, the
Congress Party was almost wiped out in North Indian States. On this excuse,
Desai Government at the Centre dismissed nine State governments where
Congress was still in power. This action of Morarji Desai’s Janata Government
was strongly criticised by the Congress and others. But, when in 1980(after
Janata Government had lost power) Congress came back to power at the
Centre under Mrs.Gandhi’s leadership and dismissed all the then Janata
Party State Governments. In both cases there was no failure of Constitutional
machinery, but actions were taken only on political grounds.
In 1986, emergency was imposed in Jammu and Kashmir due to terrorism
and insurgency.
In all, there are more than hundred times that emergency has been imposed
in various States for one reason or the other. However, after 1995 the use of
this provision has rarely been made.
3.NEED FOR FINANCIAL EMERGENCY IN INDIA- So far, IN INDIA financial emergency has never been proclaimed. But the
need and reason for financial emergency ,if ever occur,would be- the
financial stability or credit of India
or any of its part is in danger FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS VS. EMERGENCY War Emergency If the president is satisfied that a grave emergency exists whereby the security
of India or any part of its territory is threatended by war, external aggression
or armed rebellion, he may proclaim a state of emergency under Article 352.
Constitutional Emergency in the States If the President is satisfied on receipt of a report from the Governor or
otherwise that a situation has arisen in which the Government of a Sate
cannot be carried on in accordance with eh provisions of the Constitution,
he is empowered to proclaim an emergency under Articles 356
Suspension of Fundamental Rights During the period of emergency, as declared under the either of the two c
ategories discussed above, the State is empowered to suspend the
Fundamental Rights guaranteed underArticle 19 of the Constitution. The
term 'State' is used here in the same sense in which it has been used in the
Chapter on Fundamental Rights. It means that the power to suspend the
operation of these Fundamental Rights is vested not only in Parliament but
also in the Union Executive and even in subordinate authority. Further, the
Constitution empowers the President to suspend the right to move any court
of law for the enforcement of any of the Fundamental Rights. It means that
virtually the whole Chapter on Fundamental Rights can be suspended during
the operation of the emergency. However, such order are to be placed
before Parliament as soon as possible for its approval.
But art. 20 and art.21 can not be suspended in any case . Suspension of fundamental rights during emergency is a matter of debate
and conflicts of opinion ab initio.
it would be a mistake to treat human rights as though there were a trade-off
to be made between human rights and goals such a security and development. . . .
Strategies based on the protection of human rights are vital both for our moral
standing and the practical effectiveness of our actions’ - Kofi Annan
Fundamental rights are moral rights which have been made legal by the
Constitution. These constitutional rights which are ‘fundamental’ in character
represent rights in the ‘strong sense’. They are distinct from ordinary legal
and constitutional rights because they may not be restricted on ground of
general utility.
The very essence of these rights is that they are guaranteed even if the
majority would be worse off in doing so,that fundamental rights are necessary
to protect the dignity of an individual. Invasion of these rights is a very serious
matter and it means treating a man as less than a man. This is grave injustice
and it is worth paying the incremental cost in social policy or efficiency that is
necessary to prevent it.
After so many debates and many conflicts the question arise- Whether the fundamental rights are absolute? fundamental rights are not absolute in nature. The government may impose
restrictions on three grounds.
The government might show that the values protected by the original right are
not really at stake in the marginal case or at stake only in some attenuated form.
Alternatively if it may show that if the right is defined to include the marginal
case, then some competing right, in the strong sense, would be abridged.
This is the principle of competing rights of other members of society as
individuals. Making this ‘rights’ choice and protecting the more important
at the cost of the less important, does not weaken the notion of rights.
Hence the government may limit rights if it believes that a competing
right is more important.
The third possibility is if it may show that if the right were so defined then
the cost to society would not be simply incremental but would be of a degree
far beyond the cost paid to grant the original right, a degree great enough to
justify whatever assault on dignity of the individual it may result in.
But another principle is there which is used in many human rights treaties
and in national constitutions as well.
government may not arbitrarily deprive persons of their fundamental rights,
Most of debates on the issue assume a necessary ‘trade off’ between rights
and security, however it is submitted that the relation between the two is more
complex than that.
Restrictions on rights on ground of security are not justified per se. This may
be because the trade off is unnecessary where the government may pass
effective laws which do not violate rights or when harsh laws restricting rights
will not yield results.However tensions do arise. If the security strategy genuinely i
mplicates rights, then it may be justified and must be governed by the principle
of proportionality.Proportionality analysis is an uphill task and involves balancing
of the two social goods of liberty and security.
It involves analysing if there exists a rational connection between the aims
of the legislation and the means employed, if there is a less restrictive means
available in order to achieve the aim. Thirdly, comparing the effectiveness of t
he means with the infringement of rights.
The Habeas Corpus Case The most controversial use of emergency power in the history of India has been
between 1975 and 1977. The experience of this state of emergency exposed the
weaknesses and inadequacies of safeguards on use of crisis power by the
government. Though restrictions were imposed on various rights in this period,
the most serious infringement was of personal liberty, which is the focus on
suspending the right of any person to move any court for enforcement of fundamental
rights under arts. 14, 21 and 22 and 19 for the duration of the emergency.
Following this declaration hundreds of persons were arrested and detained all
over the country under the swoop of the Maintenance of Internal
Security Act, 1971. Various persons detained under Maintenance of Internal Security Act, 1971, s.
3(1) filed petitions in different high courts for the issue of the writ of
habeas corpus.
This case we’ll discuss in more elaborate way in later topics. The balance between rights and security may be enhanced by making further
changes than those recommended in the 1978 amendment. This includes making
the information withheld by the government under art. 22(6) justiciable.
Seervai suggests this may be achieved by allowing a judge to examine the
claim of the government that the information of grounds of detention has to be
withheld in public interest.This via media is on the lines of the special advocate
system in Britain.
The Indian experience with emergency powers reveals a mixed record.
These powers were used more responsibly in 1962 than in 1970. The principle
of proportionality must thus be the governing principle to ensure that rights are
not subverted in the name of security.
ROLE OF 42nd & 44th AMENDMENT 42nd amendment The Forty-second Amendment Act of 1976 (officially the "Constitution
(Forty-second Amendment) Act, 1976") was an amendment to the Constitution
of India that reduced the ability of the India's Supreme and High Courts to
proclaim laws constitutional or unconstitutional. Passed by the Indian
parliament on 2 November 1976, it also made India a socialist secular
republic and laid down the duties of Indian citizens to their government.
It was passed by the parliament during the Indian Emergency (1975 - 77)
brought by the Congress government headed by Indira Gandhi .
STATEMENT OF OBJECTS WITH RESPECT TO POWERS OF COURT,
RIGHTS AND EMERGENCY PROVISION
to make the directive principles more comprehensive and give them
precedence over those fundamental rights which have been allowed to
be relied upon to frustrate socio-economic reforms for implementing the
to determination of Constitutional validity of Central laws and confer exclusive
jurisdiction in this behalf on the Supreme Court so as to avoid multiplicity of
proceedings with regard to validity of the same Central law in different High
Courts and the consequent possibility of the Central law being valid in one State
and invalid in another State.
It is also necessary to make certain modifications in the writ jurisdiction of the
High Courts under article 226.
Insertion of new article 31D.-After article 31C of the Constitution and before
the sub-heading "Right to Constitutional Remedies", the following article
shall be inserted, namely:---
`31D. Saving of laws in respect of anti-national activities.- (1)Notwithstanding
anything contained in article 13, no law providing for-
(a) the prevention or prohibition of anti-national activities; or (b) the prevention of formation of, or the prohibition of, anti-national associations, Insertion of new article 32A.-After article 32 of the Constitution, the following
article shall be inserted, namely:-
"32A. Constitutional validity of State laws not to be considered in proceedings
under article 32.-Notwithstanding anything in article 32, the Supreme Court
shall not consider the constitutional validity of
any State law in any proceedings under that article unless the constitutional
validity of any Central law is also in issue in such proceedings.".
Insertion of new article 131A.-After article 131 of the Constitution, the following
article shall be inserted, namely:-
"131A. Exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in regard to questions as
to Constitutional validity of Central laws.- Notwithstanding anything contained
in any other provision of thisConstitution, the Supreme Court shall, to the
exclusion of any other court, have jurisdiction to determine all questions
relating to the constitutional validity of any Central law.
44th AMENDMENT The Forty-fourth Amendment Act of 1978 (officially the "Constitution
(Forty-second Amendment) Act, 1978") was an amendment to the Constitution
of India that reduced or removed the provisions made by 42nd amendment.
This amendment was taken plance durin the government of janta party.
SALIENT FEATURES OF CA-44 In view of the special position sought to be given to fundamental rights,
the right to property, which has been the occasion for more than one
amendment of the Constitution, would cease to be a fundamental right and
become only a legal right. Necessary amendments for this purpose are being
made to article 19 and article 31 is being deleted.
A Proclamation of Emergency under article 352 has virtually the effect of
amending the Constitution by converting it for the duration into that of a
Unitary State and enabling the rights of the citizen to move the courts for
the enforcement of fundamental rights---including the right to life and liberty---
to be suspended. Adequate safeguards are, therefore, necessary to ensure
that this power is properly exercised and is not abused. It is, therefore, proposed
that a Proclamation of Emergency can be issued only when the security of
India or any part of its territory is threatened by war or external aggression
or by armed rebellion. Internal disturbance not amounting to armed rebellion
would not be a ground for the issue of a Proclamation.
Further, in order to ensure that a Proclamation is issued only after due
consideration, it is sought to be provided that an Emergency can be proclaimed
only on the basis of written advice tendered to the President by the Cabinet.
In addition, as a Proclamation of Emergency virtually has the effect of
amending the Constitution, it is being provided that the Proclamation would
have to be approved by the two Houses of Parliament by the same majority
which is necessary to amend the Constitution and such approval would have
to be given within a period of one month. Any such Proclamation would be in
force only for a period of six months and can be continued only by further
resolutions passed by the same majority. The Proclamation would also
cease to be in operation if a resolution disapproving the continuance of
the Proclamation is passed by Lok Sabha. Ten per cent. or more of the
Members of Lok Sabha can requisition a special meeting for considering
a resolution for disapproving the Proclamation.
As a further check against the misuse of the Emergency provisions and to
put the right to life and liberty on a secure footing, it would be provided that
the power to suspend the right to move the court for the enforcement of a
fundamental right cannot be exercised in respect of the fundamental right
to life and liberty. The right to liberty is further strengthened by the provision
that a law for preventive detention cannot authorise, in any case.
JUDICIAL INTERPRETATION OF VALIDITY OF SUSPENSION OF
FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS
1) POSITION BEFORE 1978:- a) suspension of art. 19- makhan singh Vs. State of punjab -Art.358 makes it clear that things done or omitted to be done during
emergency could not be chal lenged even after the emergency was over.
in other words the suspension os art.19 was complete during the period
in question and legispative and excutive action which contravened art.
19 could not be questioned even after the emergency was over.
B )suspension of art.20,21 A.D.M. Jabalpur Vs. shivkant shukla The President issued orders under the Constitution of India, art. 359(1)
suspending the right of any person to move any court for enforcement of
fundamental rights under arts. 14, 21 and 22 and 19 for the duration of
the emergency. Following this declaration hundreds of persons were
arrested and detained all over the country under the swoop of the
Maintenance of Internal Security Act, 1971.
Various persons detained under Maintenance of Internal Security Act,
1971, s. 3(1) filed petitions in different high courts for the issue of the
writ of habeas corpus.
The high courts broadly took the view that the detention may be challenged
on the grounds of ultra vires, rejecting the preliminary objection of the
government. Aggrieved by this the government filed appeals, some under
certificates granted by high courts and some under special leave granted by
the Supreme Court. Despite every high court ruling in favor of the detenus36.
The Supreme Court ruled in favor the government. What the court except
for Khanna, J. failed to realise is that the right to personal to life and liberty
are human rights and is not a ‘gift of the Constitution’. International Covenant
on Civil and Political Rights ,art. 4 recognises the right to life and personal
liberty to be a non- derogable right even during times of
emergency. C) suspension of art.14 and 16 Arjun singh vs.state of rajasthan The question arose whether art.16 is also suspended although it is not
mentioned in order,the rajasthan high court held that art.16 remained
operative even though art.14 was suspended.the court emphasized
that under art.359 the enforcement of only such fundamental rights
was suspended as were specifically and expressly mentioned in the
presidential order.
S.R. Bommai Vs Union of India Judgement and condition of art.356 after bommmai case- The landmark case of S. R. Bommai v. Union of India, in the history of
the Indian Constitution has great implications in Center-State relations. It is
in this case that the Supreme Court boldly marked out the and limitations
within which Article 356 has to function. The Supreme Court of India in its
judgment in the case said that it is well settled that Article 356 is an extreme
power and is to be used as a last method in cases where it is manifest that
the constitutional machinery in a State has collapsed.
The views expressed by the bench in the case are similar to the concern
showed by the Sarkaria Commission.
What are the observations of judges on Article 356 of Constitution of India-
In this case the bench observed that the power conferred by Article 356
upon the President is a conditioned power. It is not an absolute power.
The existence of material - which may comprise of or include the report of
the Governor is a pre-condition. The satisfaction must be formed on r
elevant material, and must have rational.
Similarly, Article 356 of the Constitution confers a power upon the President
to be exercised only where he is satisfied that a situation has arisen where
the Government of a State cannot be carried on in accordance with the
provisions of the Constitution. Under our Constitution, the power is really
that of the Union Council of Ministers with the Prime Minister at its head.
The satisfaction contemplated by the article is subjective in nature. However,
the subjective satisfaction if based on malice may be questioned in court of law.
The proclamation of emergency can be done by governor only after the approval by both Houses of Parliament under clause (3) of Article 356, and not before. Until such approval, the President can only suspend the Legislative Assembly by suspending the provisions of Constitution relating to the Legislative Assembly under sub-clause (c) of clause (1). However, the dissolution of Legislative Assembly can be resorted on only where it is found necessary for achieving the purposes of the Proclamation. According to Article 356, clause (3) in case both Houses of Parliament disapprove or do not approve the Proclamation, the Proclamation lapses at the end of the two-month period, and in such a situation the gvernment which was dismissed revives. Also the Legislative Assembly, which may have been kept in suspended gets reactivated. Similarly, as the Proclamation lapses, the acts done, orders made and laws passed during the period of two months do not become illegal or void. However, the same laws may be considered for judicial review, repeal or modification by various authorities. On the other hand, if the Proclamation is approved by both the Houses within two months, the Government which is dismissed does not revive on the expiry of period of the proclamation or on its revocation. Similarly, if the Legislative Assembly has been dissolved after the approval under clause (3), the Legislative Assembly does not revive on the expiry of the period of Proclamation or on its revocation. The most important point of the court in the case is, according to it Article 74(2) merely bars an enquiry into the question whether any, and if so, what advice was tendered by the Ministers to the President. It does not bar the Court from calling upon the Union Council of Ministers (Union of India) to disclose to the Court the material upon which the President had formed the requisite satisfaction. The material on the basis of which advice was tendered does not become part of the advice. Even if the material is looked into by or shown to the President, it does not partake the character of advice. Article 74(2) and Section 123 of the Evidence Act cover different fields. It may happen that while defending the Proclamation, the Minister or the official concerned may claim the privilege under Section 123. If and when such privilege is claimed, it will be decided on its own merits in accordance with the provisions of Section123. Judicial review of imposition of Article 356 The remark of the Supreme Court that proclamation of emergency is not beyond judicial review is welcome step. The court held that the Proclamation under Article 356(1) is not immune from judicial review. The Supreme Court or the High Court can strike down the Proclamation if it is found to be mala fide or based on wholly irrelevant or extraneous grounds. Earlier, with 38th (Amendment) Act by the 44th (Amendment) Act, government had taken out the power of reviewability of the action of imposition of emergency under Article 356(1). Now, under the new circumstances, when called upon, the Union of India has to produce the material on the basis of which action was taken. CONCLUSION The history of Indian constitution with respect to fundamental rights and their stability with emergency provisions is full of vagueness and ambiguity. From the very beginning of “the case of habeas corpus” and makhan singh to the landmark case of S.R. bommai,the provisions and conditions are geting beter and beter. Initially even the suspension of art. 20 and 21 during emergency was valid,though those rights are not given by “the constitution”but by nature itself. No courts had the right and power to look into the matter of cases related to emergency. But now the condition is different- Now, the government of India cannot refuse to furnish reasons behind its action. However, the court will not go into the correctness of the material or its adequacy, still it will enquire whether the material was relevant to the action. And, conclusively, it would be enough for court to see if there are some valid reasons for the imposition. ********************* # Here in after to be considered as “article” # Proclamation of National Emergency, EMERGENCY PROVISIONS, Aspects of the Constitution of India # Naga people’s movement of human rights V. union of india,AIR 1998 SC 431 # AIR 1980 SC 1789: (1980)2 SCC 591 # Sarkaria Commission was set up in June 1983 by the central government of India. The Sarkaria Commission's charter was to examine the relationship and balance of power between state and central governments in the country and suggest changes within the framework of Constitution of India.The Commission was so named as it was headed by Justice Rajinder Singh Sarkaria, a retired judge of the Supreme Court of India. The other two members of the committee were Shri B.Sivaraman and Dr.S.R.Sen. # AIR 1994 SC 1918: (1994) 3 SCC 1 # The Secretary-General, Report of the Secretary-General: In Larger Freedom: Towards Development, Security and Human Rights for All, delivered to the General Assembly, # As per the black’s law dictionary,9th Edn -by itself or oneself,in isolation # A.D.M. Jabalpur vs. Shivkant Shukla, AIR 1976 SC 1207 # Makhan Singh vs. State of Punjab, AIR 1964 SC 381 # A.D.M. Jabalpur vs. Shivkant Shukla, AIR 1976 SC 1207 # Arjun singh vs. state of rajasthan,AIR 1975 Raj 217 # S.R. Bommai Vs Union of India,AIR 1994 SC 1918  The author can be reached at: harshit_khare@legalserviceindia.com | |||||
| Most recent articles in Constitutional Law category | |||
| • The Doctrine of Frustration Challenges the Validity of the Fundamental Principle of Pacta Sunt Servanda | |||
| • State Liability on Administrative Action reference to Civil Rights in India | |||
| • Analytical Law School | |||
| • Constitutionalism | |||
| • Right To Equality- A Fundamental Right | |||
| • Constitutional Validity of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Act | |||
| • Doctrine of Judicial Review in India: Relevancy of Defining Contours | |||
| • Justice Delayed is Justice Denied | |||
| • contemporanea exposito est optima et fortissinia in lege | |||
| • Right to Sleep and it | |||
| • Just because someone is poor, the State cannot allow him to die Delhi HC landmark Judgment | |||
| • The Application of Natural Justice while Discharging Administrative Actions | |||
| • Doctrine of Pleasure as under the Indian Constitution | |||
| • Coalition Government and its Impact on Indian Federal Structure | |||
| • Right To Privacy Under Article 21 and the Related Conflicts | |||
• Separation of Powers and Its Development with Special Reference to IndiaMaintenance of Internal Security Act
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) was a controversial law passed by the Indian parliament in 1971 giving the administration of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Indian law enforcement agencies super powers - indefinite preventive detention of individuals, search and seizure of property without warrants, and wiretapping - in the quelling of civil and political disorder in India, as well as countering foreign-inspired sabotage, terrorism, subterfuge and threats to national security. The law was amended several times during national emergency (1975-1977) and used for quelling political dissent. Finally it was repealed in 1977, when Indira Gandhi lost the Indian general election, 1977 and Janata Party came to power.[1][2]
HISTORY[EDIT]
It was enacted on July 2, 1971, and replaced by the previous ordinance, "Maintenance of Internal Security Ordinance" promulgated by the President of India on May 7, 1971. The act was based on Preventive Detention Act of 1950 (PDA), enacted for a period of a year, before it was extended till December 31, 1969.[3]
The legislation gained infamy for its disregard of legal and constitutional safeguards of civil rights, especially when "going all the way down" on the competition, and during the period of national emergency (1975-1977) as thousands of innocent people were believed to have been arbitrarily arrested, tortured and in some cases, forcibly sterilized.[4][5]
The legislation was also invoked to justify the arrest of Indira Gandhi's political opponents, including the leaders and activists of the opposition Janata Party. In all, during the emergency period of 1975-1977, some 1,00,000 people, which included journalists, scholars, activists and opposition politicians were detained without trial for a period of up to eighteen months. Some people were even detained for opposing forced sterilization drives or demolition of slums carried out during this period.[2]
The 39th Amendment to the Constitution of India placed MISA in the 9th Schedule to the Constitution, thereby making it totally immune from any judicial review; even on the grounds that it contravened the Fundamental Rights which are guaranteed by the Constitution, or violated the Basic Structure.
The law was repealed in 1977 following the election of a Janata Party-led government; the 44th Amendment Act of 1978 similarly removed MISA from the 9th Schedule.[3]
However, others coercive legislations like Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA), the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA, 1968), and economic counterpart of the act, Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act(COFEPOSA) enacted on December 13, 1974 to prevent smuggling and black-marketing in foreign exchange is still enforce.[3] Controversial successors to such legislations include the National Security Act (1980), Terrorism and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act(TADA, 1985-1995), and the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA, 2002), criticized for authorizing excessive powers for the aim of fighting internal and cross-border terrorism and political violence, without safeguards for civil freedoms.[3][6]
PENSION[EDIT]
In the non-Indian National Congress ruled states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh,[7][8] people detained under Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) and Defence of India Act (DIR) during the 1975-77 national emergency, get Rs. 15000 pension per month from respective state governments. In 2014, Rajasthan government restarted its pension scheme of Rs. 12000 per month for 800 enlisted former detainees, first launched under Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje's first term in 2008. The scheme was discontinued in 2009, by Ashok Gehlot-led Congress government.[7][9]
DETAINEES[EDIT]
Some notable political leaders imprisoned under Maintenance of Internal Security Act:
SEE ALSO[EDIT]REFERENCES[EDIT]
EXTERNAL LINKS[EDIT]
| |||
No comments:
Post a Comment