Which statement best describes the constitutional philosophy behind Emergency provisions in India?
- Enable permanent centralization of power during crises
- Balance national unity and security with federal autonomy and rights protection
- Allow executive to bypass Parliament in all matters
- Transfer all State powers to Union indefinitely
Answer: Balance national unity and security with federal autonomy and rights protection
Emergency provisions reflect constitutional balance: (a) Enable strong Union response to existential threats (war, financial collapse, State breakdown), (b) But include safeguards: written Cabinet advice, Parliamentary approval, judicial review (SR Bommai), non-suspendable rights (Articles 20-21), time limits. Designed for temporary crisis management, not permanent authoritarianism. 44th Amendment strengthened this balance post-1975 experience.