GK Question

polity hard true_false

Article 358 automatically suspends Article 19 freedoms during National Emergency proclaimed on grounds of war or external aggression, but not during Emergency proclaimed on ground of armed rebellion.

  1. True
  2. False

Answer: True

Article 358 nuanced application: (a) Automatic suspension: Article 19 freedoms (speech, assembly, etc.) automatically suspended only when Emergency proclaimed on war/external aggression grounds (not armed rebellion), (b) Rationale: During war/external aggression, national security may require immediate restrictions on freedoms; during armed rebellion (internal threat), freedoms may be restricted via Article 359 order if necessary, (c) Duration: Suspension lasts for Emergency duration; laws made during suspension remain valid even after Article 19 revival, (d) Safeguards: (i) 44th Amendment limited automatic suspension to war/external aggression, (ii) Courts can examine if restrictions proportionate to threat, (iii) Core rights (Articles 20-21) always protected, (e) Balance: Enable crisis response while preventing overreach; differentiated treatment based on threat nature. Illustrates calibrated rights balancing: context-sensitive restrictions within constitutional framework.

Topic Emergency Powers - Article 358 Automatic Suspension of Article 19
Exam Relevance Article 358 application technicality critical for UPSC Mains and Judiciary exams