While a proclamation of emer- gency is in operation, the dura- tion of the Lok Sabha can be extended for a period—

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 [5]. This extension can be for a period not exceeding one year at a time [5]. There is no maximum limit on the total number of such yearly extensions as long as the emergency remains in force [1]. However, the Constitution specifies that any such extension cannot continue beyond a period of six months after the Proclamation of Emergency has ceased to operate [5]. This provision ensures that the democratic process is restored shortly after the crisis ends. This mechanism was notably utilized during the 1975 National Emergency to extend the life of the fifth Lok Sabha [1].

Sources

1. [1] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 17: Emergency Provisions > Effects of National Emergency > p. 176
2. [5] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 17: Emergency Provisions > Effects of National Emergency > p. 176
3. [4] https://repository.nls.ac.in/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1152&context=nlsir
4. [2] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 23: Parliament > Duration of Lok Sabha > p. 226