✅ Answer: A) 1, 2 and 3All three statements are correct. National Emergency can be proclaimed on grounds of war, external aggression, or armed rebellion (44th Amendment changed “internal disturbance” to “armed rebellion”). Parliamentary approval requires special majority within 1 month. Article 19 freedoms are automatically suspended during National Emergency proclaimed on grounds of war or external aggression.

✅ Answer: C) Parliament, State Assemblies, President, and Vice-PresidentThe ECI has superintendence, direction, and control of elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President. Panchayat and Municipality elections are conducted by State Election Commissions (Article 243K).

✅ Answer: C) Internal disturbanceThe 1975 Emergency was proclaimed on grounds of “internal disturbance” — which was considered too vague and was misused. The 44th Amendment (1978) changed this to “armed rebellion” to prevent such misuse. The 1975 Emergency lasted from June 25, 1975 to March 21, 1977.

✅ Answer: D) 3 yearsThe maximum duration of President’s Rule is 3 years. It initially lasts for 6 months after Parliamentary approval. It can be extended by 6 months at a time. Beyond 1 year, it requires special majority AND either a National Emergency must be in operation OR the ECI must certify that elections cannot be held.

✅ Answer: B) Merger of parties is allowed if at least 2/3 of members agreeUnder the 10th Schedule, merger of parties is allowed if at least 2/3 of members agree. The 91st Amendment (2003) removed the provision for split (1/3 members). The Speaker’s decision is subject to judicial review (Kihoto Hollohan, 1992).

✅ Answer: B) Salaries of High Court judgesDuring Financial Emergency, the Centre can direct reduction of salaries of all government servants including High Court judges. This is the only emergency where judicial salaries can be reduced. During National Emergency, judicial salaries cannot be reduced.

✅ Answer: B) Written advice of the CabinetThe 44th Amendment (1978) provided that the President can proclaim National Emergency only on the written advice of the Cabinet (not just the PM). This was a safeguard against the misuse of emergency powers — the 1975 Emergency was proclaimed on the PM’s advice alone.

✅ Answer: B) 1960 (Kerala elections)The Model Code of Conduct was first used in the 1960 Kerala elections. It has been in existence since then and has been progressively strengthened. The MCC is not a statutory document but is enforced by the ECI under Article 324.

✅ Answer: C) Anti-Defection Law (10th Schedule)The Kihoto Hollohan v. Zachillhu (1992) case is related to the Anti-Defection Law (10th Schedule). The Supreme Court held that the Speaker’s decision on disqualification under the 10th Schedule is subject to judicial review — it is not final and can be challenged in courts.

✅ Answer: D) Failure of constitutional machinery in a StateFailure of constitutional machinery in a State is the ground for President’s Rule (Article 356), not National Emergency (Article 352). National Emergency can be proclaimed on grounds of war, external aggression, or armed rebellion.