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Chapter Analysis
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The chapter 'The Crisis of Democratic Order' discusses the imposition of Emergency in 1975 by Indira Gandhi due to internal disturbances. It explores the suspension of fundamental rights, censorship, and preventive detention during this period. The chapter outlines the significant events leading up to, during, and resulting from the Emergency, focusing on the political and social consequences, including the defeat of the Congress in the 1977 Lok Sabha elections. It also reflects on the lessons learned for Indian democracy and constitutional amendments post-Emergency.
Key Topics
- •Imposition of Emergency in 1975
- •Impact on civil liberties and censorship
- •Judiciary and executive tensions
- •Political consequences post-Emergency
- •Constitutional amendments and lessons learned
- •1977 elections and political shifts
- •Student movements and mass protests
- •Role of media during the Emergency
Learning Objectives
- ✓Understand the reasons behind the imposition of Emergency in 1975.
- ✓Analyze the impact of Emergency on civil liberties and governance in India.
- ✓Examine the political and judicial challenges during the Emergency period.
- ✓Identify the lessons learned from the Emergency for Indian democracy.
- ✓Evaluate the significance of the 1977 elections in restoring democratic order.
- ✓Discuss the socio-economic conditions influencing political decision-making in the 1970s.
Questions in Chapter
State whether the following statements regarding the Emergency are correct or incorrect.
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Find the odd one out in the context of proclamation of Emergency.
Page 111
Match the following.
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What were the reasons which led to the mid-term elections in 1980?
Page 111
The Shah Commission was appointed in 1977 by the Janata Party Government. Why was it appointed and what were its findings?
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What reasons did the Government give for declaring a National Emergency in 1975?
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The 1977 elections for the first time saw the Opposition coming into power at the Centre. What would you consider as the reasons for this development?
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Discuss the effects of Emergency on the following aspects of our polity.
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In what way did the imposition of Emergency affect the party system in India? Elaborate your answer with examples.
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Read the passage and answer the questions below regarding the two-party system during the 1977 elections.
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Additional Practice Questions
Explain the role of the judiciary during the Emergency period in India.
hardAnswer: During the Emergency, the judiciary faced a crisis as legislative powers were concentrated in the central government, resulting in a controversial Supreme Court judgment that supported government's plea to limit judicial intervention. The Emergency highlighted the importance of judicial independence, as post-Emergency amendments affirmed the role of the courts in protecting civil liberties.
How did the 1977 elections reflect the impact of the Emergency on Indian democracy?
mediumAnswer: The 1977 elections were effectively a referendum against the Emergency, leading to a historic defeat for Congress and the formation of the first non-Congress government at the Center, indicating a robust public demand for democratic restoration and a rejection of authoritarianism.
Discuss the economic and social conditions in India during the lead up to the Emergency.
mediumAnswer: Before the Emergency, India faced significant economic challenges including high inflation, sluggish industrial growth, unemployment, and public dissatisfaction. Social conditions were strained by widespread protests led by students and political parties, demanding government accountability and reforms.
What impact did the Emergency have on civil liberties in India?
hardAnswer: The Emergency severely curtailed civil liberties in India, with the suspension of fundamental rights, extensive censorship of the press, and widespread preventive detentions that were justified by the government on the grounds of maintaining order.
Describe the events that led to the declaration of a National Emergency in 1975.
hardAnswer: The National Emergency was declared following political turmoil, a deteriorating economy, and a ruling by the Allahabad High Court that found Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's election campaign guilty of electoral malpractices, leading to perceived threats to internal stability.