12 CBSC NCERT Political Science
The Emergency in India
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Theme Analysis
Main ThemeThe Emergency in India (1975-1977)
Subject CategoryHistory
Key Concepts
Question FocusQuestions are weighted towards the causes, declaration, immediate consequences, and lessons learned from the Emergency period, with a mix of Remember and Understand Bloom's Taxonomy levels. Peripheral details have been avoided to focus on core concepts.
In which year was the 'emergency' imposed in India due to perceived internal disturbance?
Hint: Recall the specific year mentioned for the imposition of the Emergency.
Answer
The Emergency was imposed in June 1975.
Explanation
The text explicitly states that developments between 1973 and 1975 led to the imposition of 'emergency' in June 1975. This marks a crucial phase in India's democratic history.
What was the primary reason cited by the government for imposing the Emergency in 1975?
Hint: Consider the unusual nature of this particular emergency declaration.
Answer
The Emergency was imposed because of the perceived threat of internal disturbance.
Explanation
Unlike typical emergencies associated with war or natural disaster, the 1975 Emergency was declared specifically due to the government's perception of a threat from 'internal disturbance', as stated in the text.
The Emergency ended dramatically, resulting in which political outcome in the Lok Sabha elections of 1977?
Hint: Think about the immediate political fallout for the ruling party after the Emergency.
Answer
The Emergency ended with a defeat of the Congress in the Lok Sabha elections of 1977.
Explanation
The text clearly states that the Emergency 'ended as dramatically as it had begun, resulting in a defeat of the Congress in the Lok Sabha elections of 1977,' signifying a major shift in Indian politics.
Which constitutional issue created tension between the government and the judiciary prior to the Emergency?
Hint: Recall the core conflict between legislative power and individual freedoms discussed in the text.
Answer
A major constitutional issue was whether Parliament could abridge Fundamental Rights.
Explanation
The text highlights the tension between the government and judiciary over Parliament's ability to abridge Fundamental Rights and curtail the right to property, with the Supreme Court repeatedly ruling against the government's initiatives.
What was the economic slogan used by the Congress in the 1971 elections?
Hint: This slogan is directly mentioned in the economic context section of the text.
Answer
The Congress had given the slogan of 'garibi hatao' (remove poverty) in the 1971 elections.
Explanation
The text states, 'In the elections of 1971, Congress had given the slogan of garibi hatao (remove poverty),' which is a direct factual recall.
Which international event significantly strained India's economy after 1971-72?
Hint: Consider the events immediately following 1971-72 mentioned in the economic context.
Answer
The Bangladesh crisis and subsequent war with Pakistan put a heavy strain on India’s economy.
Explanation
The text explains that 'The Bangladesh crisis had put a heavy strain on India’s economy. About eight million people crossed over the East Pakistan border into India. This was followed by war with Pakistan.' These events were major economic burdens.
What was the approximate increase in prices in India in 1974, contributing to public dissatisfaction?
Hint: Refer to the specific inflation figures provided in the economic context.
Answer
Prices increased by 30 per cent in 1974.
Explanation
The text states, 'Prices increased by 23 per cent in 1973 and 30 per cent in 1974. Such a high level of inflation caused much hardship to the people.'
How did the government's decision to freeze salaries of its employees contribute to public dissatisfaction before the Emergency?
Hint: Consider the direct impact of this measure on a specific group mentioned in the text.
Answer
Freezing salaries caused further dissatisfaction among government employees.
Explanation
The text mentions, 'In order to reduce expenditure the government froze the salaries of its employees. This caused further dissatisfaction among government employees,' directly linking the action to increased public unrest.
What was the primary focus of the students' agitation in Gujarat in January 1974?
Hint: Look for the immediate issues that sparked the Gujarat movement.
Answer
Students in Gujarat started an agitation against rising prices of food grains, cooking oil, and other essential commodities, and against corruption.
Explanation
The text states, 'In January 1974 students in Gujarat started an agitation against rising prices of food grains, cooking oil and other essential commodities, and against corruption in high places,' clearly identifying the main grievances.
Who led the student movement in Bihar that demanded the dismissal of the Congress government and called for 'total revolution'?
Hint: Identify the prominent social worker and political leader associated with the Bihar movement.
Answer
Jayaprakash Narayan (JP) was invited to lead the student movement in Bihar.
Explanation
The text explicitly states, 'After a point they invited Jayaprakash Narayan (JP)... to lead the student movement... Jayaprakash Narayan demanded the dismissal of the Congress government in Bihar and gave a call for total revolution.'
What was a significant condition Jayaprakash Narayan placed on leading the Bihar student movement?
Hint: Consider JP's broader vision for the movement beyond just local issues.
Answer
JP accepted leadership on the condition that the movement would remain non-violent and would not limit itself to Bihar.
Explanation
The text states, 'He accepted it on the condition that the movement will remain non-violent and will not limit itself to Bihar,' indicating his intention for a broader, peaceful political impact.
Who led the nationwide Railway Strike in May 1974, which added to the atmosphere of labor unrest?
Hint: Identify the specific leader mentioned in connection with the 1974 railway strike.
Answer
The National Coordination Committee for Railwaymen’s Struggle was led by George Fernandes.
Explanation
The text states, 'The National Coordination Committee for Railwaymen’s Struggle led by George Fernandes gave a call for nationwide strike by all employees of the Railways,' making this a direct recall.
What was the significance of the Kesavananda Bharati Case in the context of the conflict between the judiciary and the executive before the Emergency?
Hint: Recall the landmark ruling that put a check on legislative power.
Answer
The Kesavananda Bharati Case established that there are some basic features of the Constitution that Parliament cannot amend.
Explanation
The text explains, 'In this case, the Court gave a decision that there are some basic features of the Constitution and the Parliament cannot amend these features,' which was a crucial development in the power struggle.
Which High Court passed a judgment declaring Indira Gandhi's election to the Lok Sabha invalid on June 12, 1975?
Hint: Recall the specific court mentioned in the 'Declaration of Emergency' section.
Answer
Justice Jagmohan Lal Sinha of the Allahabad High Court passed the judgment.
Explanation
The text explicitly states, 'On 12 June 1975, Justice Jagmohan Lal Sinha of the Allahabad High Court passed a judgment declaring Indira Gandhi’s election to the Lok Sabha invalid,' making this a direct factual recall.
What was the main ground on which Indira Gandhi's election was challenged in the Allahabad High Court?
Hint: Focus on the specific legal allegation against her election.
Answer
Her election was challenged on the ground that she had used the services of government servants in her election campaign.
Explanation
The text explains, 'The petition, challenged the election of Indira Gandhi on the ground that she had used the services of government servants in her election campaign,' which was the core of the legal challenge.
Which Article of the Constitution was invoked by the government to declare the state of emergency in June 1975?
Hint: Recall the specific constitutional provision for a national emergency.
Answer
The government invoked Article 352 of the Constitution.
Explanation
The text clearly states, 'On 25 June 1975, the government declared that there was a threat of internal disturbances and therefore, it invoked Article 352 of the Constitution.'
What happens to the federal distribution of powers once an emergency is proclaimed under Article 352?
Hint: Consider the nature of powers granted to the central government during an emergency.
Answer
The federal distribution of powers remains practically suspended, and all powers are concentrated in the hands of the union government.
Explanation
The text explains, 'Once an emergency is proclaimed, the federal distribution of powers remains practically suspended and all the powers are concentrated in the hands of the union government.'
Who was the President of India who issued the proclamation of Emergency on the recommendation of the Prime Minister on June 25, 1975?
Hint: Recall the name of the President in office during the declaration.
Answer
President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed issued the proclamation immediately.
Explanation
The text clearly states, 'On the night of 25 June 1975, the Prime Minister recommended the imposition of Emergency to President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed. He issued the proclamation immediately.'
What immediate action was taken regarding major newspaper offices after the declaration of Emergency?
Hint: Think about the first steps taken to control information flow.
Answer
After midnight, the electricity to all the major newspaper offices was disconnected.
Explanation
The text describes, 'After midnight, the electricity to all the major newspaper offices was disconnected,' as an immediate consequence, setting the stage for press censorship.
What measure was implemented by the government that required newspapers to get prior approval for all material to be published?
Hint: This term refers to the official control over published content.
Answer
This measure is known as press censorship.
Explanation
The text states, 'The government suspended the freedom of the Press. Newspapers were asked to get prior approval for all material to be published. This is known as press censorship,' a direct definition.
What was the most significant impact of the Emergency provisions on citizens' rights?
Hint: Consider the core constitutional rights affected during the Emergency.
Answer
Under the provisions of Emergency, the various Fundamental Rights of citizens stood suspended, including the right to move the Court for restoring them.
Explanation
The text highlights, 'Most importantly, under the provisions of Emergency, the various Fundamental Rights of citizens stood suspended, including the right of citizens to move the Court for restoring their Fundamental Rights,' indicating a severe restriction on civil liberties.
What legal provision allows for the arrest and detention of individuals not because they have committed an offense, but on the apprehension that they may commit one?
Hint: This term describes detention without trial based on suspicion.
Answer
The government made extensive use of preventive detention.
Explanation
The text defines, 'Under this provision, people are arrested and detained not because they have committed any offence, but on the apprehension that they may commit an offence. Using preventive detention acts, the government made large scale arrests during the Emergency.'
What was the controversial ruling by the Supreme Court in April 1976 regarding the right to life and liberty during the Emergency?
Hint: Consider how the judiciary's role was affected in protecting fundamental rights.
Answer
The Supreme Court over-ruled the High Courts and accepted the government’s plea, meaning that during Emergency the government could take away the citizen’s right to life and liberty.
Explanation
The text describes this as 'one of the most controversial judgments of the Supreme Court,' where it 'over-ruled the High Courts and accepted the government’s plea. It meant that during Emergency the government could take away the citizen’s right to life and liberty.'
Which two organizations were banned by the government during the Emergency, apprehending social and communal disharmony?
Hint: Recall the specific organizations mentioned as being prohibited during this period.
Answer
The government banned Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Jamait-e-Islami.
Explanation
The text states, 'Apprehending social and communal disharmony, the government banned Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Jamait-e-Islami,' a direct factual recall.
How did some newspapers like the Indian Express and the Statesman protest against press censorship during the Emergency?
Hint: Think about a symbolic way to show censorship without explicitly violating rules.
Answer
Newspapers like the Indian Express and the Statesman protested against censorship by leaving blank spaces where news items had been censored.
Explanation
The text provides this specific detail as an act of dissent: 'Newspapers like the Indian Express and the Statesman protested against censorship by leaving blank spaces where news items had been censored.'
Which constitutional amendment was passed during the Emergency, extending the duration of legislatures from five to six years?
Hint: Recall the major constitutional change enacted during this period.
Answer
The forty-second amendment was passed during the Emergency, which included extending the duration of legislatures.
Explanation
The text states, 'The forty-second amendment was also passed during the Emergency... Among the various changes made by this amendment, one was that the duration of the legislatures in the country was extended from five to six years.'
What was one key lesson learned from the Emergency regarding the robustness of democracy in India?
Hint: Consider the overall outcome of the Emergency period on India's political system.
Answer
One lesson of Emergency is that it is extremely difficult to do away with democracy in India.
Explanation
The text concludes, 'Thus, one lesson of Emergency is that it is extremely difficult to do away with democracy in India,' highlighting the resilience of Indian democracy.
How was the 'internal' Emergency provision in the Constitution rectified after the 1975 Emergency?
Hint: Think about the specific term that replaced 'internal disturbance' for emergency declarations.
Answer
Now, 'internal' Emergency can be proclaimed only on the grounds of 'armed rebellion'.
Explanation
The text states, 'Now, 'internal' Emergency can be proclaimed only on the grounds of 'armed rebellion' and it is necessary that the advice to the President to proclaim Emergency must be given in writing by the Union Cabinet.'
What did the Emergency make everyone more aware of, leading to the emergence of many civil liberties organizations?
Hint: Consider what rights were suppressed and what public consciousness arose as a result.
Answer
The Emergency made everyone more aware of the value of civil liberties.
Explanation
The text notes, 'Thirdly, the Emergency made everyone more aware of the value of civil liberties. The Courts too, have taken an active role after the Emergency in protecting the civil liberties of the individuals. Many civil liberties organisations came up after this experience.'
What was the main slogan of the opposition parties in the 1977 elections, which turned into a referendum on the Emergency?
Hint: Recall the central theme of the 1977 election campaign by the opposition.
Answer
The opposition fought the election on the slogan of 'save democracy'.
Explanation
The text states, 'The opposition fought the election on the slogan of 'save democracy',' directly reflecting the public sentiment against the Emergency.
What new political party was formed by the major opposition parties on the eve of the 1977 elections?
Hint: Recall the name of the unified opposition front that challenged the Congress in 1977.
Answer
The major opposition parties came together and formed a new party, known as the Janata Party.
Explanation
The text mentions, 'Now they came together on the eve of the elections and formed a new party, known as the Janata Party,' a crucial development leading to the Congress's defeat.
Who became the popular symbol of restoration of democracy after the Emergency and accepted the leadership of the newly formed Janata Party?
Hint: Think about the leader who spearheaded the 'Total Revolution' and became the face of the anti-Emergency movement.
Answer
Jayaprakash Narayan became the popular symbol of restoration of democracy and the Janata Party accepted his leadership.
Explanation
The text states, 'Jayaprakash Narayan became the popular symbol of restoration of democracy. The formation of the Janata Party also ensured that non-Congress votes would not be divided. The new party accepted the leadership of Jayaprakash Narayan.'
What was a key factor that contributed to the Janata Party's victory in the 1977 elections, besides public opinion against the Emergency?
Hint: Consider how the opposition managed to consolidate its electoral strength.
Answer
The formation of the Janata Party ensured that non-Congress votes would not be divided.
Explanation
The text notes, 'The formation of the Janata Party also ensured that non-Congress votes would not be divided,' which was crucial for their victory against the Congress.
In which region of India was the impact of the Emergency felt most strongly, leading to a massive electoral wave against the Congress in 1977?
Hint: Recall the geographical area where the Congress suffered its most significant losses.
Answer
The impact of the Emergency was felt most strongly in north India, leading to a massive electoral wave against the Congress.
Explanation
The text specifies, 'In north India, it was a massive electoral wave against the Congress,' and details how the Congress lost in almost every constituency in several northern states.
Who became the first Prime Minister belonging to a non-Congress party after the 1977 Lok Sabha elections?
Hint: Recall the leader of the Janata Party who took office after the 1977 victory.
Answer
Morarji Desai eventually became the Prime Minister.
Explanation
The text states, 'Eventually Morarji Desai became the Prime Minister,' marking a historic moment as the first non-Congress PM.
What lesson did the experience of the short-lived Janata government (1977-1979) teach in democratic politics?
Hint: Consider why the Janata government lost power so quickly after its initial victory.
Answer
The experience of 1977–79 taught that governments that are seen to be unstable and quarrelsome are severely punished by the voters.
Explanation
The text explicitly states, 'The experience of 1977–79 taught another lesson in democratic politics: governments that are seen to be unstable and quarrelsome are severely punished by the voters,' explaining the Congress's return to power in 1980.
How did the nature of the Congress party change significantly after 1969, leading up to and after the Emergency?
Hint: Think about the shift in Congress's internal structure and leadership style.
Answer
The Congress party started shedding its character as an umbrella party and identified itself with a particular ideology and the appeal of one leader, Indira Gandhi.
Explanation
The text explains, 'Since 1969, the Congress party had starting shedding its character as an umbrella party... The Congress party now identified itself with a particular ideology, claiming to be the only socialist and pro-poor party. ...and the appeal of one leader, Indira Gandhi.'
What issue began to dominate politics since 1977, leading to the appointment of the Mandal Commission by the Janata Party government?
Hint: Recall the social group whose political significance increased after the Emergency.
Answer
The issue of welfare of the backward castes began to dominate politics since 1977.
Explanation
The text states, 'In an indirect manner the issue of welfare of the backward castes also began to dominate politics since 1977... the Mandal Commission was appointed by the Janata Party government at the centre.'
The Emergency period is described as both a constitutional crisis and a political crisis. What made it a 'political crisis'?
Hint: Consider the government's actions despite its strong position.
Answer
It was a political crisis because the party in power had absolute majority and yet, its leadership decided to suspend the democratic process.
Explanation
The text differentiates: 'The party in power had absolute majority and yet, its leadership decided to suspend the democratic process... This political crisis was more serious than the constitutional crisis.'
How did the Emergency affect the functioning of the police and administration, according to the Shah Commission Report?
Hint: Consider how these institutions operated under the extraordinary powers of the Emergency.
Answer
According to the Shah Commission Report, the administration and the police became vulnerable to political pressures and were turned into political instruments of the ruling party.
Explanation
The text states, 'The actual implementation of the Emergency rule took place through the police and the administration. These institutions could not function independently. They were turned into political instruments of the ruling party and according to the Shah Commission Report, the administration and the police became vulnerable to political pressures.'
Which of the following was NOT a factor contributing to the general atmosphere of dissatisfaction before the Emergency?
Hint: Review the economic context section and identify the opposite of what was happening.
Answer
Industrial growth was low, not high, contributing to the dissatisfaction.
Explanation
The text explicitly states, 'Industrial growth was low and unemployment was very high,' which contradicts option A. The other options are correctly identified as causes of dissatisfaction.
Why did the Congress party allege that the Supreme Court was an 'obstacle' to its pro-poor welfare programmes?
Hint: Consider the nature of the conflict between the government and judiciary.
Answer
The Congress alleged the Court was an obstacle because it found many government initiatives violative of the Constitution.
Explanation
The text states, 'The Supreme Court found many initiatives of the government to be violative of the Constitution. The Congress party took the position that this stand of the Court was against principles of democracy... The Congress also alleged that the Court was a conservative institution and it was becoming an obstacle in the way of implementing pro-poor welfare programmes.'
What was the nature of 'Naxalites' or Marxist-Leninist groups mentioned in the text?
Hint: Recall their methods and objectives as described in the text.
Answer
These Marxist groups did not believe in parliamentary politics and had taken to arms and insurgent techniques for the overthrow of the capitalist order and the established political system.
Explanation
The text describes, 'There was also an increase in the activities of Marxist groups who did not believe in parliamentary politics. These groups had taken to arms and insurgent techniques for the overthrow of the capitalist order and the established political system. Known as the Marxist-Leninist (now Maoist) groups or Naxalites.'
Why did Indira Gandhi believe that the Gujarat and Bihar agitations were motivated by 'personal opposition to her'?
Hint: Consider how the movements were perceived by the ruling party and its leader.
Answer
She believed the movements were motivated by personal opposition because they were seen as anti-Congress and protests against her leadership.
Explanation
The text notes, 'Both the Gujarat and Bihar agitations were seen as anti-Congress and rather than opposing the State governments, they were seen as protests against the leadership of Indira Gandhi. She believed that the movement was motivated by personal opposition to her.'
On what specific grounds could the government declare a state of emergency under Article 352, as it existed in 1975?
Hint: Recall the conditions specified in Article 352 for declaring an emergency.
Answer
Under Article 352, the government could declare a state of emergency on grounds of external threat or a threat of internal disturbances.
Explanation
The text states, 'Under the provision of this article the government could declare a state of emergency on grounds of external threat or a threat of internal disturbances,' which was the legal basis for the 1975 declaration.
What was unusual about the Cabinet meeting regarding the Emergency proclamation on June 26, 1975?
Hint: Consider the sequence of events regarding the Cabinet's involvement.
Answer
The Cabinet was informed about the Emergency at a special meeting at 6 a.m. on June 26, after the proclamation had been issued and arrests had taken place.
Explanation
The text highlights this procedural anomaly: 'The Cabinet was informed about it at a special meeting at 6 a.m. on 26 June, after all this had taken place,' indicating a lack of prior consultation.
What was the purpose of the amendment made after the Allahabad High Court ruling, declaring that elections of the Prime Minister, President, and Vice-President could not be challenged in court?
Hint: Consider the context of Indira Gandhi's election being declared invalid.
Answer
The amendment was made to declare that elections of Prime Minister, President, and Vice-President could not be challenged in the Court, effectively to prevent future challenges to such elections.
Explanation
The text states, 'In the background of the ruling of the Allahabad High Court in the Indira Gandhi case, an amendment was made declaring that elections of Prime Minister, President and Vice-President could not be challenged in the Court,' which was a direct response to the judicial challenge.
What was a significant change in the party system after the Emergency, as observed in the elections of 1977?
Hint: Recall how the opposition united and challenged the Congress in 1977.
Answer
Indian democracy was never so close to a two-party system as it was during the 1977 elections, though this later changed.
Explanation
The text notes, 'Indian democracy was never so close to a two-party system as it was during the 1977 elections,' with the Janata Party as a consolidated opposition against the Congress, though this dynamic later changed.
What was one of the critical issues that emerged during the Emergency regarding mass protests in a parliamentary democracy?
Hint: Consider the clash between established political structures and widespread public movements.
Answer
A critical issue that emerged was the tension between institution-based democracy and democracy based on spontaneous popular participation.
Explanation
The text discusses, 'Another critical issue that emerged during this period was the role and extent of mass protests in a parliamentary democracy. There was clearly a tension between institution-based democracy and democracy based on spontaneous popular participation.'
In the 1977 Lok Sabha elections, how many seats did the Janata Party and its allies win out of 542?
Hint: Recall the total seat count for the winning alliance in 1977.
Answer
The Janata Party and its allies won 330 out of the 542 seats in the Lok Sabha.
Explanation
The text provides this specific electoral detail: 'The Janata Party and its allies won 330 out of the 542 seats in the Lok Sabha; Janata Party itself won 295 seats and thus enjoyed a clear majority.'
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