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Class-12Political Science

Political Science | The Crisis of Democratic Order (Politics in India Since Independence)

This video lesson speaks about the 1975 Emergency situation in India, how was it imposed and its consequences

Introduction to CBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter "The Crisis of Democratic Order - Politics

The chapter discusses the background leading to the Emergency, the movements and conflicts of the period, the imposition of Emergency, its impact, and the political developments following the Emergency.

Background to Emergency:

  • The 1970s were marked by political turmoil and a strained relationship between the government and the judiciary.
  • Ideological differences within the Congress party led to divisions between Indira Gandhi and her opponents.

Economic Context:

  • The slogan “Garibi Hatao” (Remove Poverty) was prominent in the 1971 elections, but economic conditions did not improve significantly post-1971.
  • Non-Congress opposition parties organized effective popular protests against the government.

Gujarat and Bihar Movements:

  • Agitations in Gujarat and Bihar against rising prices and corruption were led by students and supported by prominent leaders like Jai Prakash Narayan.
  • Jai Prakash Narayan called for a total revolution in social, economic, and political spheres and led a massive march to Parliament in 1975.

The Naxalite Movement:

  • A peasant uprising in Naxalbari, West Bengal, in 1967 under CPI(M) leadership led to the formation of the Communist Party (Marxist-Leninist) (CPI-ML) by Charu Majumdar.
  • The government took stern measures to deal with the Naxalite movement.

Railway Strike of 1974:

  • A nationwide railway strike led by George Fernandes demanded better bonus and service conditions.
  • The government declared the strike illegal, and it ended without settlement after 20 days.

Conflict with Judiciary:

  • The 1970s saw a bitter relationship between the legislature and the judiciary over constitutional amendments and interpretations.
  • The situation worsened with the appointment of the Chief Justice in 1973 and reached a peak when the High Court declared Indira Gandhi’s election invalid.

Declaration of Emergency:

  • On 12th June 1975, the Allahabad High Court declared Indira Gandhi’s election invalid, creating a political crisis.
  • The government recommended the imposition of Emergency on 25th June 1975, which was proclaimed under Article 352 of the Constitution on grounds of internal disturbances.

Consequences:

  • The Emergency led to the suspension of press freedom and fundamental rights, ended ongoing protests, banned strikes, and imprisoned opposition leaders.
  • Parliament introduced new constitutional changes, and press censorship required prior government approval for publication.

Controversies regarding Emergency:

  • The Shah Commission investigated the Emergency and found many excesses, including arrests under preventive detention laws and restrictions on the press.
  • Critics argued that Indira Gandhi misused constitutional provisions to retain power, while the government claimed it was necessary to govern effectively.

Lessons from Emergency:

  • It highlighted the resilience of Indian democracy and the importance of civil liberties.
  • Proclamation of an internal emergency now requires written advice from the Council of Ministers.

Politics after Emergency:

  • The 1977 Lok Sabha elections were seen as a referendum on the Emergency, resulting in a decisive defeat for the Congress.
  • The Janata Party won 330 seats, and Morarji Desai became Prime Minister. However, internal conflicts led to the party’s split and eventual defeat in the 1980 elections, with Congress returning to power.

Assignments for CBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter “The Crisis of Democratic Order – Politics in India Since Independence”

  1. Case Study Analysis: Analyze the impact of the Emergency on Indian democracy and civil liberties.
  2. Research Project: Investigate the role of the Shah Commission and its findings on the excesses during the Emergency.
  3. Debate Preparation: Prepare for a debate on whether the imposition of the Emergency was justified.
  4. Chart Creation: Create a timeline of events leading to the Emergency, highlighting key movements and conflicts.
  5. Role Play: Conduct a mock parliamentary session discussing the declaration and implications of the Emergency.

Conclusion

The chapter “The Crisis of Democratic Order – Politics in India Since Independence” provides a comprehensive understanding of the political crisis during the Emergency period in India. It highlights the reasons behind the Emergency, its far-reaching consequences, and the subsequent restoration of democratic order, offering valuable lessons on the importance of civil liberties and the resilience of democracy.

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Questions and Answers for CBSE Class 12 Political Science Chapter "The Crisis of Democratic Order - Politics in India Since Independence"

Q1: What were the main reasons for the imposition of Emergency in 1975?
ANS: The main reasons included political instability, economic distress, widespread protests, and the declaration of Indira Gandhi’s election as invalid by the Allahabad High Court.

Q2: What is the significance of the Shah Commission?
ANS: The Shah Commission investigated the abuses of authority during the Emergency, revealing excesses such as mass arrests, press censorship, and misuse of preventive detention laws.

Q3: How did the Emergency affect civil liberties in India?
ANS: The Emergency led to the suspension of fundamental rights, press censorship, and mass arrests, severely curtailing civil liberties.

Q4: What were the outcomes of the 1977 Lok Sabha elections?
ANS: The elections resulted in a decisive defeat for the Congress, with the Janata Party winning 330 seats and forming the government under Prime Minister Morarji Desai.

Q5: How did the Emergency impact the relationship between the executive, judiciary, and legislature?
ANS: The Emergency strained the relationship, with constitutional amendments and executive actions undermining the judiciary and legislature’s independence.

Q6: What lessons were learned from the Emergency period in India?
ANS: The Emergency underscored the importance of safeguarding civil liberties, the resilience of democracy, and the need for written advice from the Council of Ministers for proclaiming an internal emergency.

Q7: How did Indira Gandhi justify the imposition of the Emergency?
ANS: Indira Gandhi justified it as necessary to bring law and order, restore efficiency, and implement pro-poor welfare programs amidst perceived internal disturbances.

Q8: What were the major controversies regarding the Emergency?
ANS: Controversies included allegations of misuse of power by Indira Gandhi, mass arrests, press censorship, and the claim that the Emergency was used to retain personal power.

Q9: What role did the Naxalite movement play during the 1970s?
ANS: The Naxalite movement, originating from a peasant uprising in Naxalbari, used insurgent techniques to challenge the capitalist order, leading to stern government measures.

Q10: How did the political landscape change after the Emergency was lifted?
ANS: The 1977 elections marked a shift in political power to the Janata Party, but internal conflicts led to its split and the Congress’s return to power in the 1980 elections.

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