Financial Emergency (Article 360)
Article 360 of the Indian Constitution provides the President with the authority to declare a Financial Emergency if the financial stability or credit of India is threatened. This provision was added to the Constitution to ensure that the government can take prompt actions in case of financial distress. During a Financial Emergency, the Union government may direct states to observe certain financial propriety, have financial control over the states, and make decisions that ensure the financial stability of the nation. Understanding the implications of a Financial Emergency is critical, as it affects fiscal autonomy at both the federal and state levels and emphasizes the importance of financial governance.