While a proclamation of Emergency is in operation, the duration of the Lok Sabha can be extended by not exceeding

According to Article 83(2) of the Indian Constitution, while a Proclamation of National Emergency is in operation, the normal five-year term of the Lok Sabha can be extended by a law of Parliament [c2][t1]. This extension can be granted for a period not exceeding one year at a time [c3][t7]. There is no maximum limit on the total number of such extensions; however, the extension cannot continue beyond a period of six months after the emergency has ceased to operate [c2][t1]. This provision ensures that the democratic process is not indefinitely suspended while allowing for stability during national crises. Historically, during the 1975 emergency, the life of the 5th Lok Sabha was extended twice for one year at a time using this constitutional mechanism [t1].

Sources

1. [1] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 23: Parliament > Duration of Lok Sabha > p. 226
2. [2] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 23: Parliament > Duration of Lok Sabha > p. 226
3. [3] https://repository.nls.ac.in/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1152&context=nlsir