.
Chapter: The Crisis of Democratic Order
1. Introduction
The chapter “The Crisis of Democratic Order” deals with one of the most critical phases in the history of Indian democracy—the Emergency of 1975–77. During this period, democratic institutions were severely undermined, civil liberties were suspended, and the balance of power tilted heavily in favour of the executive. This chapter helps students understand how democracy can face internal threats and how it can be restored through popular participation and constitutional safeguards.
2. Background to the Crisis
By the early 1970s, India was facing several political, economic, and social challenges:
Rising inflation and unemployment
Food shortages and poor economic performance
Widespread corruption in public life
Growing dissatisfaction among students, workers, and the middle class
These issues led to mass protests and weakened the legitimacy of the government.
3. Popular Movements Before the Emergency
(a) Gujarat Movement (1974)
Triggered by a sharp rise in food prices and corruption in government.
Started as a student movement but later gained support from opposition parties.
Led to the resignation of the Chief Minister and the imposition of President’s Rule in Gujarat.
Demonstrated public anger against misgovernance.
(b) Bihar Movement (1974)
Led by Jayaprakash Narayan (JP), a veteran freedom fighter.
Aimed at fighting corruption, authoritarianism, and economic inequality.
JP called for “Total Revolution” (Sampoorna Kranti)—a peaceful transformation of political, social, and economic systems.
The movement demanded the resignation of the government and reforms in governance.
4. Conflict Between the Executive and Judiciary
Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s 1971 Lok Sabha election was challenged in the Allahabad High Court.
In June 1975, the court found her guilty of electoral malpractices and declared her election invalid.
She was barred from holding any elected office.
This judgment created a major political crisis and intensified protests demanding her resignation.
5. Declaration of National Emergency (1975)
Date: 25 June 1975
Constitutional Provision: Article 352
Ground: Internal disturbance
Key Features of the Emergency:
Suspension of Fundamental Rights, especially Article 19
Censorship imposed on the press and media
Arrest of opposition leaders under Preventive Detention Laws
Parliament’s powers increased, while judiciary’s powers were curtailed
6. Emergency and Democratic Rights
(a) Curtailment of Civil Liberties
Citizens lost freedom of speech, expression, and assembly.
Thousands of political activists were jailed without trial.
(b) Role of the Press
Newspapers were required to submit reports for government approval before publication.
Many journalists protested, but dissenting voices were largely silenced.
(c) Role of the Judiciary
Courts largely failed to protect civil liberties.
The famous ADM Jabalpur Case (1976) upheld the suspension of the right to life and liberty during Emergency.
7. Government Programmes During Emergency
(a) Twenty-Point Programme
Introduced to project a pro-poor image of the government.
Focused on poverty alleviation, land reforms, and employment.
Some administrative efficiency improved, but democratic norms suffered.
(b) Forced Sterilisation Programme
Implemented to control population growth.
Conducted forcefully, especially among the poor.
Created widespread resentment against the government.
8. Resistance to the Emergency
Many leaders went underground to organise resistance.
Students, trade unions, and civil society groups opposed authoritarian rule.
International opinion criticised India for abandoning democratic values.
9. End of Emergency and 1977 Elections
In January 1977, Emergency was withdrawn.
General elections were held in March 1977.
The Janata Party won a historic victory.
Indira Gandhi and several Congress leaders were defeated.
This outcome reaffirmed people’s faith in democracy.
10. Restoration of Democracy
The new government restored civil liberties.
44th Constitutional Amendment Act (1978):
Made the declaration of Emergency more difficult
Ensured protection of Fundamental Rights
Prevented misuse of Emergency provisions in future
11. Significance of the Emergency
Revealed the fragility of democratic institutions
Highlighted the importance of an independent judiciary and free press
Demonstrated the power of voters in correcting authoritarian tendencies
12. Important Exam-Oriented Points
Emergency Period: 1975–1977
Prime Minister: Indira Gandhi
Mass Leader: Jayaprakash Narayan
Slogan: Total Revolution
Constitutional Article: 352
Conclusion
The Emergency was the darkest phase of Indian democracy, but it also proved the strength of democratic values. The peaceful removal of an authoritarian government through elections showed that democracy ultimately rests in the hands of the people
The Crisis of Democratic Order
Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. The National Emergency of 1975 was declared under which Article of the Indian Constitution?
(a) Article 356
(b) Article 360
(c) Article 352
(d) Article 370
Answer: (c) Article 352
2. On which date was the Emergency proclaimed in India?
(a) 15 August 1975
(b) 25 June 1975
(c) 26 January 1976
(d) 21 March 1977
Answer: (b) 25 June 1975
3. Who led the Bihar Movement of 1974?
(a) Morarji Desai
(b) Charan Singh
(c) Jayaprakash Narayan
(d) Atal Bihari Vajpayee
Answer: (c) Jayaprakash Narayan
4. The slogan “Total Revolution” is associated with:
(a) Gujarat Movement
(b) Non-Cooperation Movement
(c) Bihar Movement
(d) Chipko Movement
Answer: (c) Bihar Movement
5. Which Fundamental Right was most directly suspended during the Emergency?
(a) Right to Equality
(b) Right to Religion
(c) Right to Constitutional Remedies
(d) Right to Freedom
Answer: (d) Right to Freedom
6. Which court delivered the judgment against Indira Gandhi’s election?
(a) Supreme Court of India
(b) Delhi High Court
(c) Allahabad High Court
(d) Bombay High Court
Answer: (c) Allahabad High Court
7. The ADM Jabalpur case is related to:
(a) Freedom of press
(b) Right to life during Emergency
(c) Land reforms
(d) Election disputes
Answer: (b) Right to life during Emergency
8. Which programme was launched during the Emergency to project a pro-poor image?
(a) Green Revolution
(b) Five Year Plan
(c) Twenty-Point Programme
(d) Garibi Hatao
Answer: (c) Twenty-Point Programme
9. Which party came to power after the 1977 General Elections?
(a) Congress Party
(b) CPI(M)
(c) Bharatiya Jana Sangh
(d) Janata Party
Answer: (d) Janata Party
10. Which Constitutional Amendment restricted the misuse of Emergency provisions?
(a) 42nd Amendment
(b) 44th Amendment
(c) 46th Amendment
(d) 52nd Amendment
Answer: (b) 44th Amendment
Section B: Short Answer Questions (3–5 Marks)
Q1. What were the main reasons for the declaration of Emergency in 1975?
Answer: The Emergency was declared due to political instability, mass protests led by opposition movements, the Allahabad High Court judgment against Indira Gandhi, rising inflation, unemployment, and allegations of corruption. The government cited “internal disturbance” as the official reason.
Q2. Explain the role of Jayaprakash Narayan in Indian politics during the 1970s.
Answer: Jayaprakash Narayan led the Bihar Movement against corruption and authoritarianism. He advocated “Total Revolution” and mobilised students and citizens to protect democratic values through peaceful means.
Q3. How was freedom of the press affected during the Emergency?
Answer: Press censorship was imposed, newspapers had to seek government approval before publication, and criticism of the government was banned. This severely restricted freedom of expression.
Q4. What was the Twenty-Point Programme?
Answer: The Twenty-Point Programme was launched during the Emergency to address poverty, unemployment, and inequality. Though it aimed at welfare, it did not compensate for the loss of democratic freedoms.
Section C: Long Answer Questions
Q5. Explain the circumstances that led to the declaration of the Emergency in 1975.
Answer: The Emergency was the result of economic crisis, mass movements in Gujarat and Bihar, increasing opposition unity, and the Allahabad High Court judgment invalidating Indira Gandhi’s election. These factors created a political situation in which the government chose authoritarian control over democratic functioning.
Q6. Discuss the impact of the Emergency on democratic institutions in India.
Answer: During the Emergency, civil liberties were suspended, opposition leaders were jailed, the press was censored, and the judiciary failed to protect citizens’ rights. Parliament became subservient to the executive, weakening democratic institutions.
Q7. How did the 1977 elections restore democratic order in India?
Answer: The lifting of Emergency allowed free elections in 1977. The electorate voted out the Congress government and brought the Janata Party to power, proving that democracy ultimately rests on the will of the people.
Section D: Very Short Answer Questions (1 Mark)
Emergency period in India – 1975–77
Prime Minister during Emergency – Indira Gandhi
Leader of Bihar Movement – Jayaprakash Narayan
Constitutional Article for Emergency – Article 352
Party that won 1977 elections – Janata Party
No comments:
Post a Comment