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National Emergency: A Comparative Analysis Of Emergency Laws In India, USA And Germany

A state of emergency is characterised by a national government that suspends or modifies the regular operations of the state by suspending the Constitution and other government agencies.

A state of emergency may be declared by the government of a country for a variety of reasons, such as civil disturbance, a tragedy or disaster, an armed revolt or conflict, war, etc. A country's customary constitutional framework is shaken, its political, economic, and social landscape is altered, and its citizens' rights are either suspended or reduced when an emergency is declared. Thus, the emergency power can be viewed as both a blessing and a punishment.

Thus, the ability to declare a state of emergency can be seen as both a blessing and a burden. On the one hand, it can be utilised to combat unforeseen and abrupt threats, but it can also be manipulated by a government to further its own goals and repress its critics.

This study will examine the numerous emergency laws and regulations in Germany, the United States of America, and India, as well as how these nations administer their emergency laws differently and similarly.

Introduction
Declaring a state of emergency is not unheard of, but it is still an extremely infrequent occurrence that is limited to extreme situations, particularly in democracies. When a state's government suspends regular constitutional, legal, political, and economic processes, it's called an emergency. An emergency can be defined as "an unforeseen combination of circumstances or the resulting state that calls for immediate action"[1] according to the dictionary.

There are several different situations that can lead a nation's government to proclaim a state of emergency, including armed revolt or conflict, war, natural disasters, civil unrest, etc.

Whatever the cause, when a nation declares an emergency, the normal order of its Constitution is upset, the political, social, and economic landscape of that nation is changed, and the rights of its citizens are impacted. Thus, the ability to declare a state of emergency can be seen as both a blessing and a burden. On the one hand, it can be utilised to combat unforeseen and abrupt threats, but it can also be manipulated by a government to further its own goals and repress its critics.

Declaring a state of emergency is done differently in each country, and the results of doing so also varied from one nation to the next. Nonetheless, this study has addressed national emergencies, notably those pertaining to Germany, India, and the United States of America.
Regarding India, the President is authorised to proclaim three types of emergencies:
  • National Emergency
  • State Emergency
  • Financial Emergency
The President is empowered to act in this manner by virtue of Part XVIII of the Indian Constitution, which contains regulations pertaining to emergency measures in India, as well as the advice of the cabinet ministers.

In the case of the United States of America, the situation is somewhat comparable to that of India because the President of the United States of America is the Chief Executive of the country and can declare an emergency. In a similar vein, a mayor or governor may proclaim a state of emergency within their respective jurisdictions. The National Emergency Act governs emergencies at the federal level in the United States of America.

Given that India has adopted German emergency protocols, it is crucial to examine the German model of emergency as well while discussing national emergencies in India. Article 48 of the Weimar Republic's Constitution allowed for the proclamation of emergencies in Germany, primarily for the purpose of quelling uprisings and resistance. However, emergency measures are essentially covered by the Emergency Acts, commonly known as "Not Stand Gazette," in modern Germany. According to the German Emergency Acts, some constitutional rights may be restricted in the event of an internal emergency, a situation of tension, a state of defence, or a disaster.

When a government declares an emergency, normal national procedures are substantially changed, and most of the time, this has a negative impact on people's rights.

As a result, most countries avoid making such a bold move and only do so in dire situations.

Germany, the United States of America, and India are three distinct instances of federal states with unique legal systems. They can also be characterized as idealised representations of democratic states within Asia, North America, and Europe. Given that many people view emergency provisions as the antithesis of democracy, it is important to examine how democratic ideals are upheld by these laws.

This research will focus on the national emergencies in each of these three nations and attempt to create an analytical comparison between them.

State Of Emergency In India

National Emergency (Article 352)
In addition to financial and state emergencies, national emergencies are another significant type of emergency in India that is the primary subject of this research. Article 352 of the Indian Constitution addresses national emergencies in India. It is conceivably the most significant emergency-related clause in Indian law.

The Indian Constitution's Article 352 (1) states that, "If the President is satisfied that a grave emergency exists whereby the security of India or any part of the territory thereof is threatened, whether, by war or external aggression or armed rebellion, he may, by Proclamation, made a declaration to that effect in respect of the whole of India or of such part of the territory thereof as may be specified in the Proclamation."

This clause's significant feature is that a proclamation of emergency does not have to apply to the whole of India. It may be exclusive to a certain area of India.[2]

It is important to remember that the 44th Constitutional Amendment was the first to utilise the word "armed rebellion"; prior to that, the term "internal disturbance" was used instead. However, the term "internal disturbance" was replaced since it was thought to be too ambiguous. The principal aim was restricting the declaration of an emergency under Article 352 to instances of extreme gravity.

The Supreme Court held in Naga People's Movement of Human Rights v. Union of India[3] that the term "internal disturbance" has a broader meaning than "armed rebellion" because the latter is more likely to endanger India's security, while the former, while potentially serious, may not.

A proclamation under Article 352(1) that declares an emergency may be changed or cancelled later by another proclamation under Article 352(2).

The 44th Amendment also resulted in Article 352(3). According to this clause, "The President shall not issue a Proclamation under clause (I) or a Proclamation varying such Proclamation unless the Union Cabinet—that is, the Council made up of the Prime Minister and other Cabinet-ranking Ministers under Article 75-has decided in writing that such a Proclamation may be issued."

Therefore, unless the Cabinet unanimously decides in writing to the President regarding its decision to issue such a proclamation, the President is not authorised to declare Article 352(1). A decision of this nature cannot be made by the Prime Minister acting alone; the Cabinet must also be consulted. In 1975, the President complied with the Prime Minister's request to declare an emergency without first consulting the Cabinet. All that was offered to the Council of Ministers was a fait accompli. [4]Consequently, this sentence was added to ensure that a circumstance like this one does not occur again.

Every Proclamation issued under this article shall be laid before each House of Parliament, states Clause 4 of Article 352. If a proclamation is not approved by the Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha), it will cease to have effect after one month.[5]

The proclamation is valid for six months following approval, unless it is rescinded sooner as specified by Article 352(5). A proclamation needs to be reapproved by both chambers to remain in effect after that time.

A resolution may be passed by either House of Parliament only by a majority of the total membership of that House and by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members of that House present and voting," according to Clause 6 of Article 352. The 44th Amendment essentially created this protection because, prior to it, a resolution of this nature could only be approved by a simple majority in either House.

The President's authority is restricted by Clause 7 of Article 352, which states that he must withdraw an emergency proclamation issued pursuant to Article 352(1) if the Lok Sabha votes against it. In this regard, a simple majority vote by the existing members is sufficient. This is just another safety precaution that the 44th Amendment has put in place to make sure that the executive branch's powers are not abused or misused.

The President may proclaim an emergency under Article 352(9) for a variety of reasons, including "war, external aggression, armed rebellion, or imminent danger of war, external aggression, or armed rebellion, whether or not there is a Proclamation already The President's authority is restricted by Clause 7 of Article 352, which states that he must withdraw an emergency proclamation issued pursuant to Article 352(1) if the Lok Sabha votes against it. In this regard, a simple majority vote by the existing members is sufficient. This is just another safety precaution that the 44th Amendment has put in place to make sure that the executive branch's powers are not abused or misused.

The President may proclaim an emergency under Article 352(9) for a variety of reasons, including "war, external aggression, armed rebellion, or imminent danger of war, external aggression, or armed rebellion, whether or not there is a Proclamation already in effect."

This clause was first included in the 38th Constitutional Amendment in 1975, following the declaration of an internal disturbance. This clause was added to ensure that, even though two proclamations are operating on separate grounds, there will not be any issues.

It is important to remember that the President determines whether India's security is in danger based on his "subjective satisfaction," but he is still required to follow the Union Cabinet's recommendations. The Supreme Court ruled in Bhut Nath v. State of West Bengal[6] that the extension of emergency under Article 352 is valid and that the matter is "apolitical, not justiciable issue and the appeal should be to the polls and not to the court."

Changes in Centre-State relations:
During an article 352 emergency, Parliament gains authority to legislate on State List matters, effective for six months post-emergency. Parliament's laws override State laws. Article 353(a) allows the Centre to direct State executive powers. Article 353(b) extends Parliament's law-making power to secure India. Article 354(1) permits the President to modify revenue distribution rules. Parliament can levy State List taxes during emergencies. Article 172 allows Parliament to extend State Legislature terms during emergencies, with a six-month limit post-emergency.

State Of Emergency In USA

National Emergencies Act
As was previously mentioned, the National Emergencies Act was passed to place limitations on the President of the United States' ability to declare an emergency. A Special Committee was established in 1973 to investigate the topic of national emergencies. Investigating further revealed, however, that four national emergencies had already been declared at the time: the 1933 banking crisis emergency, the 1950 Korean War emergency, the 1970 postal workers' strike emergency, and the 1971 inflation emergency.[7]

It was discovered that all other emergency-related legislation measures were triggered by the declaration of a single emergency. Under Section 201 of the National Emergencies Act, the President may declare a national emergency; however, he must notify Congress of the declaration and ensure that it is published in the Federal Register.

As adopted, the Act has five titles. Title, I restored to a dormant state any emergency powers granted by legislation that were activated by a proclamation of emergency but remained on standby. A revised process for declaring an emergency was outlined in the second title. In addition, a proclamation of emergency would expire after a year if the President chose not to extend it. Congress may also revoke an emergency by passing a resolution.

Title III states that to activate the emergency provisions, the President must notify the Congress and describe the provisions he has activated. While Title V deals with repeal provisions, Title IV lays down specific rules pertaining to the President's accountability when declaring an emergency.

The Presidents of the United States have proclaimed several national emergencies in accordance with the requirements of this Act since its passage. While some of them are still in effect, others have been repealed.

State Of Emergency In Germany

German Emergency Acts and Constitutional provisions:
The German Constitution underwent several modifications and gained several emergency provisions because of the German Emergency Acts, or "Not stand Gazette." It offered the federal government the power to take decisive action in times of emergency, including war, natural disasters, and insurrections of any kind. The German Constitution contains extensive emergency measures that allow the fundamental democratic laws and regulations to continue to be implemented normally even in times of crisis.[8] Furthermore, the Emergency Acts stipulate that several basic rights may be suspended during a state of defence.[9]

For example, Article 10 declares that "the privacy of correspondence, posts, and telecommunications shall be inviolable," but it also permits the imposition of some limitations to defend the federal state and the democratic order. Similar restrictions may be placed on the freedom of movement and occupation under Articles 11 and 12 for comparable reasons. Military duty is required during a situation of defined by Article 12a.

However, Part X (a) of the German Constitution, which addresses the state of, defines, and establishes specific guidelines surrounding German emergency legislation, is the most significant section. From Article 115a to Article 115, there are eleven articles in it.

Three categories of emergencies are distinguished by the German Constitution: a "state of tension"[10] (spanning fall), a "state of defence"[11] (Verteidigungsfall), and a "internal emergency"[12] (inner not stand). An internal emergency arises when it's necessary "to avert an imminent danger to the existence of free democratic basic order of the Federation or of a Land," as specified in Article 91(1). As was previously mentioned, Article 115(a) permits the declaration of a state of defence in situations where "the federal territory is under attack by armed force or imminently threatened by such an attack."

The German Constitution does not, however, define what constitutes a condition of tension. However, in line with a state of defence, the Federal President must subsequently issue the declaration following two-thirds majority votes in the Bundestag and Bundestrat.
The German Constitution contains extensive emergency protocols, which is why the Indian Constitution's authors decided to incorporate some of these sections into our own document.

Conclusion
In summary, the emergency provisions of India, the USA, and Germany have similarities and differences. India's provisions draw more from Germany than the USA. While the US courts play a significant role, India and Germany have more limited judicial oversight. Safeguards exist in all three constitutions to prevent abuse, with each country learning from past experiences and making amendments. However, there's still room for improvement. India and Germany could strengthen their judiciary, while the USA could clarify its provisions. All three nations should adhere to international human rights standards during emergencies to protect citizens' rights.

End-Notes:
  1. Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary (Springfield, MA: G & C Merriam, 1974), 372.
  2. Constitution of India 1950.
  3. Naga People's Movement of Human Rights v. Union of India, AIR 1998 SC 431: (1998) 2 SCC 109.
  4. M.P. Jain, Indian Constitutional Law, 786-787 (5th edin., 2003, Wadhwa and Company Nagpur).
  5. Ibid.
  6. Bhut Nath v. State of West Bengal, AIR 1974 SC 806: (1974) 1 SCC 645.
  7. Patrick A. Thronson, Toward Comprehensive Reform of America's Emergency Law Regime, 46 Michigan L.J. 737 (2013).
  8. Anna Khakee, Securing Democracy? A Comparative Analysis Of Emergency Powers In Europe, (Geneva Centre for the democratic control of armed forces, 2009).
  9. Germany Constitution, Art.115a-115l.
  10. Germany Constitution Art. 80a.
  11. Germany Constitution Part Xa
  12. Germany Constitution Art. 91.

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