GK Question

polity medium mcq

Under Article 352, a proclamation of National Emergency must be approved by both Houses of Parliament within ______ month(s) by special majority, failing which the Emergency ceases to operate.

  1. 1
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  4. 6

Answer: 1

Article 352 Parliamentary approval: (a) Constitutional text: Emergency proclamation must be approved by both Houses of Parliament within 1 month of issuance, (b) Special majority requirement: Approval requires majority of total membership of each House + 2/3 of members present and voting, (c) Duration: If approved, Emergency continues for 6 months; can be extended indefinitely by Parliamentary resolution every 6 months, (d) 44th Amendment safeguards (1978): (i) Special majority (not simple majority) required for approval, (ii) Emergency expires after 6 months unless renewed, (iii) One-tenth of Lok Sabha members can requisition special meeting to consider revocation, (e) Applications: (i) 1962, 1971 Emergencies: Approved by Parliament, focused on external threats, (ii) 1975 Emergency: Approved but later criticized for political misuse; led to 44th Amendment safeguards, (f) Illustrates democratic oversight: Parliamentary approval ensures Emergency reflects democratic consensus, not executive whim; special majority prevents narrow majorities from imposing Emergency.

Topic Article 352 - Parliamentary Approval Requirements
Exam Relevance Article 352 Parliamentary approval frequently asked in UPSC Prelims and SSC exams