Extent of President's powers under Article 352

President can declare a national emergency if he/she is satisfied that a grave emergency exists whereby the security of India or a part of it is threatened by war or external aggression or armed rebellion. When doing so, President has following powers:

♤ President can issue directions to the states as to the manner in which the executive power of the states is to be exercised.

♤ In the event of military conflict, the President is also authorised to suspend Article

19. He can also restrict the enforcement of all fundamental rights except for article 20 and 21

However, the President cannot act unilaterally. Such a proclamation can be declared only on the written advice of the Cabinet subject to the approval by both the Houses of Parliament.