GK Question

polity hard true_false

Under Article 359, a Presidential order suspending enforcement of Fundamental Rights must specify the rights suspended and the territory to which it applies, and cannot be blanket or indefinite.

  1. True
  2. False

Answer: True

Article 359 order requirements: (a) Specificity: Order must specify: (i) Which Fundamental Rights enforcement is suspended, (ii) Territory to which suspension applies (whole India or part), (b) Temporariness: Order valid only during Emergency; lapses when Emergency revoked, (c) Safeguards: (i) Cannot apply to Articles 20-21 (44th Amendment), (ii) Subject to Parliamentary approval, (iii) Judicial review for constitutional compliance, (d) Rationale: Prevent blanket suspension of rights; ensure proportionate, targeted restrictions based on threat assessment, (e) Historical context: During 1975-77 Emergency, broad suspension orders issued; 44th Amendment strengthened specificity requirements to prevent overreach. Illustrates calibrated rights balancing: crisis-responsive restrictions within precise constitutional boundaries.

Topic Emergency Powers - Article 359 Presidential Order Specificity
Exam Relevance Article 359 order technicality critical for UPSC Mains and Judiciary exams