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National emergency


National emergency is caused by war, external aggression or armed rebellion in the whole of India or a part of its territory. Such an emergency was declared in India in 1962 (Indo-China war), 1971 (Indo-Pakistan war), 1975 to 1977 (declared by Indira Gandhi on account of “internal disturbance”).



The Parliament can make laws on the 66 subjects of the State List (which contains subjects on which the state governments can make laws). Also, all money bills are referred to the Parliament for its approval. The term of the Lok Sabha can be extended by a period of up to one year, but not so as to extend the term of Parliament beyond six months after the end of the declared emergency.

Grounds of declaration

Under Article 352, the president can declare a national emergency when the security of India or a part of it is threatened by war or external aggression or armed rebellion.

The President can declare a national emergency even before the actual occurrence of war or armed rebellion or external aggression

When a national emergency is declared on the grounds of ‘war’ or ‘external aggression’, it is known as ‘External Emergency’. On the other hand, when it is declared on the grounds of ‘armed rebellion’, it is known as ‘Internal Emergency’.

This term ‘armed rebellion’ was inserted from the 44th amendment. Before this term it was known as internal disturbance.


  • If India and another nation openly accept that they will use armed forces against each other is simply war.
  • If there is no formal declaration that there will be armed forces used against a country is External aggression.
  • And if because of these two grounds an emergency is proclaimed as an external emergency.