Context
The South Korean president recently declared martial law citing threats from anti-state activities by the opposition, but the decision was later overturned by Parliament.
What is Martial Law?
Martial law is a temporary state of emergency declared by a government to address unforeseen crises or threats. Under this law, military authorities assume control over civil administration to restore order and security.
Martial Law in the Indian Constitution
- Provision: Martial law is addressed under Article 34 of the Indian Constitution, a concept borrowed from British legal traditions.
- Key Features:
- Article 34 allows for restrictions on Fundamental Rights (FRs) in areas where martial law is imposed.
- It empowers Parliament to enact laws indemnifying government servants for actions taken during the enforcement of martial law.
- These powers are subject to two conditions:
- Actions must relate to maintaining or restoring order.
- Martial law must be in force in the area concerned.
- Undefined in the Constitution: The term martial law is not explicitly defined, nor are the grounds for its imposition stated.
- Historical Context: Martial law has never been formally applied in independent India.
Differences Between National Emergency and Martial Law in India
| Aspect | National Emergency | Martial Law |
| Definition | A constitutional provision invoked during threats to national security. | Temporary imposition of military authority over civil administration. |
| Constitutional Basis | Article 352 of the Indian Constitution. | Article 34 of the Indian Constitution. |
| Purpose | To safeguard the sovereignty, integrity, and security of India. | To restore law and order during extreme internal disturbances. |
| Suspension of Rights | Rights under Articles 19, 20, and 21 may be restricted or modified. | Fundamental Rights may be suspended temporarily. |
| Duration | Initially for six months, extendable with parliamentary approval. | Typically short-term until the situation normalizes. |
| Examples in India | Declared during wars with China (1962), Pakistan (1965, 1971), and the internal Emergency (1975-77). | Never formally imposed post-independence. |
While martial law is designed for internal disturbances, its use in India remains hypothetical due to the availability of constitutional mechanisms like National Emergency for addressing crises.
World Drought Atlas Context (DTE): According to the World Drought Atlas, around 75% of the global population will be affected by drought by 2050. It is released by the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the European Commission Joint Research Centre. Aim: To provide data-driven insights and guidelines to combat t
While martial law is designed for internal disturbances, its use in India remains hypothetical due to the availability of constitutional mechanisms like National Emergency for addressing crises.
World Drought Atlas
Context
The World Drought Atlas, released by the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the European Commission Joint Research Centre, projects that 75% of the global population will face drought impacts by 2050.
Key Highlights of the World Drought Atlas
- Objective: Offers data-driven insights to mitigate the growing risks of drought globally.
- Impacts Identified: Highlights the effects on energy, trade, and agriculture, emphasizing the far-reaching consequences of drought.
- India’s Concerns:
- Predicts soybean crop losses due to drought.
- Recalls the 2019 Chennai water crisis, a case of severe water scarcity caused by poor water management despite adequate rainfall.
Measures for Drought Management
Global Initiatives
- Integrated Drought Management Programme (IDMP):
- Aims to enhance global resilience against droughts through collaboration and sustainable practices.
- UNCCD’s Drought Resilience, Adaptation, and Management Policy (DRAMP):
- Assists countries in framing and executing policies for drought adaptation and risk management.
- Global Drought Information System (GDIS):
- Provides a centralized platform for monitoring and managing drought conditions worldwide.
- International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA):
- Focuses on knowledge sharing and funding to support resilience initiatives globally.
India-Specific Measures
- National Policy on Disaster Management:
- A comprehensive strategy for drought mitigation, preparedness, and response through coordinated efforts.
- National Agricultural Drought Assessment and Monitoring System (NADAMS):
- Uses advanced techniques for monitoring drought impacts on agriculture and guiding timely interventions.
The World Drought Atlas underscores the urgent need for global and national actions to mitigate the escalating impacts of drought, with a focus on resilience-building, sustainable management, and collaborative solutions.
- “Examine the impact of drought on agriculture, energy, and water resources as per the World Drought Atlas. Discuss the global and India-specific measures for managing these challenges and building resilience.”