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

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.