The Crisis of Democratic Order

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Learning Objectives

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Learning Objectives

Analyze the reasons for the declaration of Emergency in 1975.
Evaluate the impact of Emergency on civil liberties and the relationship between the Executive and Judiciary.
Discuss the effects of Emergency on the functioning of Mass Media and the Police and Bureaucracy.
Assess the changes in the party system in India post-Emergency.
Identify the key events leading to the mid-term elections in 1980.
Examine the role of the Shah Commission and its findings regarding the Emergency.
Explore the significance of the 1977 elections in the context of Indian democracy.

Revision Notes & Summary

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The Crisis of Democratic Order

Background to Emergency

Indira Gandhi's leadership and popularity.
Bitter and polarized party competition.
Tensions between government and judiciary.

Economic Context

Slogan: Garibi Hatao (Remove Poverty).
Economic challenges post-1971 elections:
- Bangladesh crisis and war with Pakistan.
- High inflation rates: 23% in 1973, 30% in 1974.
- Low industrial growth and high unemployment.
- Agricultural productivity decline due to failed monsoons.

Proclamation of Emergency

Date: June 25, 1975.
Reason: Perceived threat of internal disturbances.
Article invoked: Article 352 of the Constitution.
Powers concentrated in the hands of the union government.
Suspension of Fundamental Rights.

Consequences of Emergency

Arrest of opposition leaders and censorship of press.
Use of preventive detention.
Supreme Court's controversial rulings on habeas corpus.
Emergence of civil liberties organizations post-Emergency.

Lessons of the Emergency

Difficulty in abolishing democracy in India.
Need for clarity in Emergency provisions of the Constitution.
Increased awareness of civil liberties.

Politics after Emergency

1977 elections as a referendum on Emergency experience.
Formation of the Janata Party and opposition unity.
Voter backlash against perceived anti-democratic actions.

Exam Tips & Common Mistakes

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Common Mistakes and Exam Tips

Common Pitfalls

Misunderstanding the Reasons for Emergency: Students often confuse the reasons for the Emergency declaration. It was proclaimed due to perceived internal disturbances, not solely economic conditions.
Incorrect Matching of Events and Leaders: Be careful when matching events like Total Revolution and leaders such as Jayaprakash Narayan. Ensure you understand who was associated with which movement.
Ignoring the Impact on Civil Liberties: Many students overlook the significant effects of the Emergency on civil liberties and the relationship between the Executive and Judiciary.

Exam Tips

Review Key Dates and Events: Familiarize yourself with important dates such as the declaration of Emergency in 1975 and the subsequent elections in 1977.
Understand the Political Context: Grasp the political dynamics of the time, including the role of the Janata Party and the opposition to Indira Gandhi.
Analyze the Effects of Emergency: Be prepared to discuss the implications of the Emergency on democracy, civil rights, and the political landscape in India.
Practice Matching and True/False Questions: Engage with exercises that require you to match events with their descriptions or determine the correctness of statements regarding the Emergency.

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Practice Test – MCQs, True/False

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Multiple Choice Questions

A major global recession

A severe drought leading to food shortages

A sharp increase in oil prices leading to inflation

A financial crisis due to excessive foreign debt

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The sharp increase in oil prices during the early 1970s led to high inflation in India, which was one of the economic factors contributing to the unrest that preceded the Emergency.

Banning all newspapers

Requiring newspapers to get prior approval for all material to be published

Nationalizing all media outlets

Allowing only government-owned newspapers to operate

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

During the Emergency, the government imposed press censorship, requiring newspapers to get prior approval for all material to be published.

Increased wages for railway workers

Strengthening of workers' rights

Heightened tensions leading to the Emergency

Immediate resolution of workers' demands

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The Railway Strike of 1974, led by George Fernandes, added to the atmosphere of unrest and was one of the factors that heightened tensions leading to the declaration of Emergency.

Forty-second Amendment

Forty-fourth Amendment

Thirty-ninth Amendment

Fifty-second Amendment

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The Forty-second Amendment, passed during the Emergency, extended the duration of the legislatures from five to six years.

Congress

Janata Party

Bharatiya Janata Party

Communist Party of India

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The Janata Party emerged victorious in the 1977 Lok Sabha elections, defeating the Congress.

The 39th Amendment

The 40th Amendment

The 41st Amendment

The 42nd Amendment

Correct Answer: D

Solution:

The 42nd Amendment, passed during the Emergency, extended the duration of the legislatures from five to six years.

Fortieth Amendment

Forty-first Amendment

Forty-second Amendment

Forty-third Amendment

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The Forty-second Amendment extended the duration of the legislatures from five to six years.

The Supreme Court was dissolved temporarily.

Judges were required to pledge loyalty to the ruling party.

The jurisdiction of the Supreme Court was curtailed regarding election disputes.

Judges were appointed based on recommendations from the opposition parties.

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

During the Emergency, the government made constitutional amendments that curtailed the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, particularly concerning election disputes involving the Prime Minister, President, and Vice-President. This was part of a broader effort to consolidate power and limit judicial oversight.

To prevent misinformation during a war

To control the narrative against internal disturbances

To manage the economic crisis more effectively

To ensure smooth functioning of the judiciary

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The government imposed press censorship during the Emergency to control the narrative against perceived internal disturbances, as it believed that unrestricted media could exacerbate the situation.

War with a neighboring country

Internal disturbance

Natural disaster

Economic crisis

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The Emergency in 1975 was imposed due to the perceived threat of internal disturbance.

External aggression

Internal disturbance

Natural disaster

Economic crisis

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The Emergency was imposed due to the perceived threat of internal disturbance, not because of external aggression or natural disaster.

The Bangladesh crisis

The global oil price decrease

A surplus in food grain output

Increased foreign aid

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The Bangladesh crisis put a heavy strain on India's economy as about eight million people crossed over the East Pakistan border into India.

Increase in agricultural productivity

Suspension of fundamental rights

Uninterrupted press freedom

Economic boom

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

During the Emergency, the government suspended various Fundamental Rights of citizens.

Reduced the duration to four years

Extended the duration to six years

Kept the duration unchanged

Allowed indefinite extension during Emergency

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The 42nd Amendment extended the duration of the legislatures from five to six years during the Emergency, intending this change to be of a permanent nature.

Complete freedom of the press

Censorship and prior approval for publication

Introduction of new press laws

Increased government funding for media

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

During the Emergency, the government suspended the freedom of the Press and newspapers were asked to get prior approval for all material to be published.

Indira Gandhi

Jayaprakash Narayan

George Fernandes

Charan Singh

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

George Fernandes led the National Coordination Committee for Railwaymen's Struggle during the 1974 strike.

It improved economic conditions

It had no impact

It put a heavy strain on the economy

It led to a decrease in inflation

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The Bangladesh crisis put a heavy strain on India's economy, with about eight million people crossing over into India.

Garibi hatao (remove poverty)

Indira lao desh bachao

Sampoorna Kranti

Jai Jawan Jai Kisan

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The primary slogan given by the Congress party during the 1971 elections was 'Garibi hatao' (remove poverty).

India Shining

Garibi Hatao

Save Democracy

Bharat Mata Ki Jai

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

In the 1971 elections, Congress used the slogan 'Garibi Hatao', which means 'remove poverty'.

Decline in agricultural productivity due to monsoon failures

Excessive foreign aid leading to economic dependency

High levels of industrial growth causing inflation

Surplus in food grain output causing price crashes

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The monsoon failures in 1972-73 led to a sharp decline in agricultural productivity, which was one of the significant economic challenges faced by India.

Right to Education

Right to Property

Right to Life and Liberty

Right to Freedom of Religion

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

During the Emergency, the government could take away the citizen's right to life and liberty.

Indira Gandhi

Jayaprakash Narayan

George Fernandes

Morarji Desai

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Jayaprakash Narayan was the leader who called for 'Total Revolution', which was a significant movement against the Congress government.

The Naxalite Movement

The Railway Strike

The Bangladesh crisis

The oil price hike

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The Railway Strike of 1974 led by George Fernandes caused a significant halt in the economy as it disrupted the transportation of goods.

The Congress party won a landslide victory

The Janata Party formed the government

Indira Gandhi was re-elected as Prime Minister

The elections were declared invalid

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The 1977 elections resulted in the defeat of the Congress party and the formation of the government by the Janata Party, marking the first time the Congress lost power at the Centre.

Strengthened judicial independence

Suspension of habeas corpus

Introduction of jury trials

Increased number of judges

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

During the Emergency, the right to habeas corpus was suspended, which was a significant impact on the judiciary.

The Bangladesh Liberation War

The Allahabad High Court verdict

The Indo-China War

The assassination of a political leader

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The Allahabad High Court verdict was one of the events associated with the imposition of Emergency in India in 1975.

Indira Gandhi

Jayaprakash Narayan

George Fernandes

Morarji Desai

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

The nationwide railway strike in 1974 was led by George Fernandes.

Abolishment of the right to property

Extension of the legislature's duration

Introduction of the right to education

Establishment of a new economic policy

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The 42nd amendment extended the duration of the legislatures in the country from five to six years.

George Fernandes

Jayaprakash Narayan

Jagjivan Ram

Morarji Desai

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

George Fernandes led the National Coordination Committee for Railwaymen's Struggle, which organized the nationwide railway strike in 1974.

Jayaprakash Narayan

Indira Gandhi

George Fernandes

Morarji Desai

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Jayaprakash Narayan was the leader associated with the call for 'Total Revolution'.

It led to a significant increase in railway fares.

It caused the economy to come to a halt.

It resulted in the privatization of railways.

It was supported by the government.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The 1974 Railway Strike caused the economy to come to a halt because goods transportation was disrupted.

Janata Party

Congress for Democracy

Bharatiya Lok Dal

Socialist Party

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Jagjivan Ram formed the Congress for Democracy after splitting from Congress during the Emergency.

The need for a stronger executive power

The necessity to safeguard civil liberties

The importance of economic stability

The requirement for a single-party system

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

One of the key lessons from the Emergency was the necessity to safeguard civil liberties, as the period highlighted the vulnerabilities and ambiguities in the Constitution regarding Emergency provisions.

Implemented press censorship

Increased subsidies

Reduced taxes

Provided free printing materials

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

During the Emergency, the government implemented press censorship, requiring newspapers to get prior approval for all material to be published.

The Congress party won a landslide victory

The Janata Party came to power

Indira Gandhi remained Prime Minister

The elections were canceled

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The 1977 elections resulted in the Janata Party coming to power, marking the first time the Congress party was defeated in the Lok Sabha elections.

It led to the abolition of regional parties.

It resulted in the centralization of power within the Congress party.

It strengthened the role of the judiciary in governance.

It caused the fragmentation of the Congress party into multiple factions.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The Emergency led to the centralization of power within the Congress party, with Indira Gandhi consolidating her authority. This period saw a reduction in political pluralism and increased control over political institutions, including the press and judiciary.

A significant drop in oil prices

High inflation rates

A surplus in food grain production

Increased foreign aid from the US

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

During the early 1970s, India faced high inflation rates, with prices increasing by 23% in 1973 and 30% in 1974.

Expansion of fundamental rights

Suspension of press freedom

Increase in foreign investments

Introduction of a new currency

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

One of the consequences of the Emergency declared in 1975 was the suspension of press freedom.

By focusing on economic reforms

By highlighting the non-democratic character of the Emergency

By promising free healthcare

By advocating for stronger military policies

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The Janata Party made the 1977 elections a referendum on the Emergency, focusing on the non-democratic character of the Congress rule and the excesses during that period.

The Congress party won a landslide victory.

The Janata Party formed the government, marking the first non-Congress government at the center.

The elections were declared invalid due to allegations of fraud.

The elections led to the establishment of a two-party system in India.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The 1977 Lok Sabha elections resulted in a significant defeat for the Congress party, and the Janata Party, a coalition of non-Congress parties, formed the government. This marked the first time since independence that a non-Congress government was established at the center.

Morarji Desai

Indira Gandhi

Rajiv Gandhi

Jawaharlal Nehru

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Indira Gandhi was the Prime Minister of India when the Emergency was imposed in 1975.

Civil liberties can be permanently suspended during an emergency.

The judiciary has no role in protecting civil liberties during an emergency.

The importance of safeguarding civil liberties was recognized, leading to stronger judicial oversight post-Emergency.

Civil liberties are secondary to economic stability during an emergency.

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

One of the key lessons from the Emergency was the importance of safeguarding civil liberties. The judiciary, which had been sidelined during the Emergency, took a more active role in protecting individual rights in the post-Emergency period, recognizing the need for checks and balances even during times of crisis.

Forty-second amendment

Forty-fourth amendment

Thirty-ninth amendment

Forty-first amendment

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The forty-second amendment extended the duration of the legislatures in India from five to six years.

It led to a significant increase in railway tariffs.

It caused a nationwide shortage of essential goods.

It resulted in the privatization of the railway sector.

It prompted the government to increase wages for railway workers.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The Railway Strike of 1974 caused a nationwide halt in the transportation of goods, leading to shortages of essential commodities. The strike highlighted the critical role of railways in the Indian economy and the potential impact of labor unrest on the supply chain.

Extension of the duration of legislatures from five to six years

Introduction of a new national language

Reduction in the number of states

Abolition of the Supreme Court

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

During the Emergency, the 42nd amendment extended the duration of legislatures from five to six years.

The Allahabad High Court verdict against Indira Gandhi

The Shah Commission Report

The Railway Strike of 1974

The Naxalite Movement

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The Allahabad High Court verdict against Indira Gandhi was a significant event that highlighted the conflict between the government and the judiciary during the Emergency.

True or False

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The editorial page of 'Nai Dunia' on 27 June 1975 was left blank as a protest against the censorship imposed during the Emergency.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The Emergency was imposed due to the perceived threat of internal disturbance, not external aggression.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The Emergency was declared due to the perceived threat of internal disturbance, not external aggression.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

During the Emergency, various Fundamental Rights of citizens were suspended, including the right to move the Court for restoring these rights.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The Janata Party was formed to consolidate non-Congress votes, which played a significant role in the 1977 elections.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The Janata Party won the 1977 elections largely due to public discontent with the Emergency, which was seen as undemocratic.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The Railway Strike of 1974 added to the atmosphere of unrest and was one of the factors leading up to the Emergency.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

During the Emergency, the government suspended various fundamental rights, including the right to move the Court for restoring these rights.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

During the Emergency, the freedom of the press was severely restricted, with censorship imposed on newspapers.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The forty-second amendment, passed during the Emergency, extended the duration of legislatures from five to six years.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The Emergency was imposed because of the perceived threat of internal disturbance, not due to war or natural disaster.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The Supreme Court over-ruled the High Courts and accepted the government's plea, allowing the suspension of the right to life and liberty during the Emergency.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The Janata Party lacked direction and leadership, leading to its split and the fall of its government in less than 28 months.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The Emergency declared in 1975 was due to the perceived threat of internal disturbance, not external aggression or natural disasters.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The Congress party was defeated in the Lok Sabha elections of 1977, following the Emergency, with the Janata Party and its allies winning a clear majority.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The 42nd Amendment made several permanent changes to the Constitution, such as extending the duration of legislatures from five to six years.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The editorial page was indeed left blank as a protest against the censorship imposed during the Emergency.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The government was opposed to the demands of the Railway employees and declared the strike illegal.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The government used preventive detention to arrest and detain individuals without them having committed any offense.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The Janata Party faced internal conflicts and lacked a common program, leading to its split and loss of majority within 28 months.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Press censorship was enforced during the Emergency, requiring newspapers to obtain prior approval for publication.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The Emergency was indeed declared in 1975 by Indira Gandhi due to perceived threats of internal disturbance.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The Supreme Court rejected the provision allowing Parliament to abridge Fundamental Rights, maintaining that such rights cannot be curtailed.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The government declared the railway strike illegal and arrested many leaders, deploying the territorial army to protect railway tracks.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The 42nd amendment included a change that extended the duration of legislatures from five to six years.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The Emergency was imposed due to the perceived threat of internal disturbance, not external aggression.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The Janata Party's campaign focused on the non-democratic character of the Emergency.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The Railway Strike of 1974, led by George Fernandes, was declared illegal by the government, leading to arrests and deployment of the territorial army.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

During the Emergency, the Supreme Court accepted the government's plea, limiting the judiciary's ability to entertain habeas corpus petitions, which was controversial.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The Congress party used the slogan 'Garibi Hatao' during the 1971 elections to appeal to the electorate.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The Emergency was declared in 1975 due to the perceived threat of internal disturbance, not primarily because of economic conditions.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

During the Emergency, the government suspended the freedom of the press and implemented press censorship.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The Janata Party lacked direction and unity, leading to its split and eventual loss of power.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The Railway Strike of 1974 added to the atmosphere of unrest and was one of the factors leading to the imposition of the Emergency.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

During the Emergency, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the government's plea, which resulted in the suspension of Fundamental Rights.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The Janata Party was formed to oppose the non-democratic character of the Emergency and to unite non-Congress votes.

The Crisis of Democratic Order

Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

Revision Notes & Summary

The Crisis of Democratic Order

Background to Emergency

Economic Context

Proclamation of Emergency

Consequences of Emergency

Lessons of the Emergency

Politics after Emergency

Exam Tips & Common Mistakes

Common Mistakes and Exam Tips

Common Pitfalls

Exam Tips

AI Learning Assistant

Practice Test – MCQs, True/False

Multiple Choice Questions

Q1.Which economic factor significantly contributed to the imposition of Emergency in India in 1975?

Correct Answer: C

Q2.During the Emergency in India (1975-77), which of the following actions was taken by the government to control the press?

Correct Answer: B

Q3.Which of the following was a significant consequence of the Railway Strike of 1974 in India?

Correct Answer: C

Q4.During the Emergency in India (1975-77), which constitutional amendment extended the duration of the legislatures from five to six years?

Correct Answer: A

Q5.Which political party emerged victorious in the 1977 Lok Sabha elections following the Emergency?

Correct Answer: B

Q6.Which amendment during the Emergency extended the duration of legislatures in India from five to six years?

Correct Answer: D

Q7.Which amendment extended the duration of the legislatures from five to six years during the Emergency?

Correct Answer: C

Q8.During the Emergency declared in India in 1975, which of the following actions was taken by the government concerning the judiciary?

Correct Answer: C

Q9.During the Emergency in India (1975-77), what was one of the major reasons cited by the government for imposing press censorship?

Correct Answer: B

Q10.What was the primary reason given for the imposition of Emergency in India in 1975?

Correct Answer: B

Q11.What was the primary reason for the imposition of the Emergency in India in 1975?

Correct Answer: B

Q12.What was one of the main reasons for the economic strain on India during the early 1970s?

Correct Answer: A

Q13.Which of the following was a consequence of the 1975 Emergency in India?

Correct Answer: B

Q14.What was the impact of the 42nd Amendment on the duration of legislatures during the Emergency?

Correct Answer: B

Q15.What was the impact of the Emergency on the press in India?

Correct Answer: B

Q16.Who led the National Coordination Committee for Railwaymen's Struggle during the 1974 strike?

Correct Answer: C

Q17.What was the impact of the Bangladesh crisis on India's economy in the early 1970s?

Correct Answer: C

Q18.What was the primary slogan given by the Congress party during the 1971 elections?

Correct Answer: A

Q19.What was the slogan used by Congress in the 1971 elections?

Correct Answer: B

Q20.Which of the following was a significant economic challenge faced by India leading up to the Emergency in 1975?

Correct Answer: A

Q21.During the Emergency, which fundamental right was suspended?

Correct Answer: C

Q22.Which leader was associated with the call for 'Total Revolution' during the political crisis leading up to the Emergency?

Correct Answer: B

Q23.Which event led to a significant halt in India's economy in 1974?

Correct Answer: B

Q24.What was a significant political outcome of the 1977 elections in India?

Correct Answer: B

Q25.Which of the following was a consequence of the Emergency on the Indian judiciary?

Correct Answer: B

Q26.Which event is associated with the imposition of Emergency in India in 1975?

Correct Answer: B

Q27.Who led the nationwide railway strike in 1974?

Correct Answer: C

Q28.What was the consequence of the 42nd amendment during the Emergency?

Correct Answer: B

Q29.Which political leader played a central role in the Railway Strike of 1974, which contributed to the atmosphere leading to the Emergency?

Correct Answer: A

Q30.Who was the leader associated with the call for 'Total Revolution'?

Correct Answer: A

Q31.What was the impact of the 1974 Railway Strike in India?

Correct Answer: B