| Constitutional Article | Article 352 | Article 356 | Article 360 |
| Grounds | War, External Aggression, Armed Rebellion | Failure of constitutional machinery in a State | Threat to financial stability or credit of India |
| Who Initiates / Recommends | Union Cabinet (written advice) | Union Cabinet (on Governor’s report or President’s satisfaction) | Union Cabinet |
| Role of Prime Minister | Cannot act alone; collective Cabinet decision mandatory | Acts through Cabinet | Acts through Cabinet |
| Who Proclaims | President of India | President of India | President of India |
| Parliamentary Approval Required | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Time Limit for Approval | 1 month | 2 months | 2 months |
| Type of Majority | Special Majority in both Houses | Simple Majority in both Houses | Simple Majority in both Houses |
| Duration after Approval | 6 months | 6 months | Indefinite |
| Maximum Duration | Can be extended indefinitely (every 6 months) | Maximum 3 years | Indefinite |
| Extension Procedure | Parliamentary approval every 6 months | Parliamentary approval every 6 months | Not required |
| Revocation | President anytime OR Lok Sabha by simple majority | President anytime | President anytime |
| Role of Lok Sabha (if dissolved) | Special provisions apply | Rajya Sabha approves first; Lok Sabha within 30 days | Same as Article 356 |
| Judicial Review | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Key Constitutional Safeguard | 44th Amendment Act, 1978 | Judicial safeguards post-Bommai case | Judicial review post-44th Amendment |
| Historical Use | Used multiple times | Used frequently | Never used |