Question

Which one of the following steps can not be taken by the President during the Financial Emergency?

A.He can direct the Union and State Governments to observe such canons of financial propriety as he deems desirable
B.He can suspend the Fundamental Rights of the Indian citizens
C.He can order reduction of salaries and allowances of all civil servants
D.He can order the reduction of the salaries of the Supreme Court and the High Court judges

Answer 1

Hint:Article 360 of the Indian Constitution empowers the President to proclaim a Financial emergency if they think that the economic security of the country is under threat. It cannot be unilaterally passed by the President and needs to follow a set procedure for approval. In India, not once have these emergency powers been used.

Complete answer:
He can direct the Union and State Governments to observe such canons of financial propriety as he deems desirable: The President has the power to declare a financial emergency, and direct the government houses, but it is not free of any scrutiny. The proposal must be approved by the Houses of the Parliament, and undergo a juridical review. If it gets approved, the financial emergency can be announced in the country.

He can suspend the Fundamental Rights of the Indian citizens: In the time of a financial emergency, the President has the power to direct the state to follow certain procedures based upon the financial situation, but the fundamental rights cannot be curtailed and remain intact.

He can order reduction of salaries and allowances of all civil servants: The President has the power to cut down the salaries and allowances of all civil servants in a time of a financial crisis. The reduction remains a temporary measure to regain economic stability.

He can order the reduction of the salaries of the Supreme Court and the High Court judges:
The judges of the Supreme Court and High court judges come under the Government of India and thus constitute an integral part. In case of a financial instability situation, where the Financial emergency is proclaimed, the salaries of the Judges of the Supreme Court and High court judges can be reduced.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Note:Financial Emergency has never been proclaimed as of now. These Emergency provisions have been taken from the former Weimar Republic. It is also important to note that the President can
direct the Government to undertake certain measures for financial stability, but it is still liable for approval.