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NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Political Science Chapter 5 The Crisis of Democratic Order
Class 12 Political Science Part 2 Chapter 5 The Crisis of Democratic Order
1. State whether the following statements regarding the Emergency are correct or incorrect.
(a) It was declared in 1975 by Indira Gandhi.
(b) It led to the suspension of all fundamental rights.
(c) It was proclaimed due to the deteriorating economic conditions.
(d) Many Opposition leaders were arrested during the emergency.
(e) CPI supported the proclamation of the Emergency.
Answer: (a) Correct, (b) Correct, (c) Wrong,
(d) Correct, (e) Correct.
2. Find the odd one out in the context of proclamation of Emergency.
(a) The call for ‘Total Revolution’.
(b) The Railway Strike of 1974
(c) The Naxalite Movement
(d) The Allahabad High Court verdict
(e) The findings of the Shah Commission Report
Answer: (c) The Naxalite Movement
3. Match the following:
Answer: (a)-(iii), (b)-(i), (c)-(ii), (d)-(iv)
4. What were the reasons which led to the mid-term elections in 1980?
Answer – Political developments and shifts in the balance of power primarily drove the 1980 midterm elections in India. The key reasons that led to the midterm elections include:
- Political Instability and Internal Dissent: – The Janata Party, which came to power in the 1977 elections, faced internal dissensions and power struggles. The government witnessed internal conflicts and leadership disputes, particularly between Prime Minister Morarji Desai and Deputy Prime Minister Charan Singh.
- Collapse of the Janata Party Government: – The internal strife within the Janata Party government eventually led to its collapse. In July 1979, Charan Singh resigned as the Deputy Prime Minister, leading to the fall of the Desai-led government. The Janata Party government was unable to provide stable governance due to internal divisions.
- No-Confidence Motion and the Need for a New Government: – In July 1979, the Janata Party government faced a vote of no-confidence in the Parliament. The government failed to secure the majority needed to survive, and as a result, fresh elections were called.
- Rise of Indira Gandhi’s Political Comeback: – The mid-term elections in 1980 marked the return of Indira Gandhi to power. After her defeat in the 1977 elections and a period of political wilderness, Indira Gandhi capitalized on the disarray within the Janata Party and successfully portrayed herself as a leader who could provide stable governance.
- Public Support for Indira Gandhi: – Indira Gandhi’s appeal to the masses, especially in the wake of economic challenges and internal strife within the Janata Party, garnered significant public support. The electorate, in many ways, saw her as a strong and experienced leader who could navigate the country through challenging times.
5. The Shah Commission was appointed in 1977 by the Janata Party Government. Why was it appointed and what were its findings?
Answer – The Shah Commission was appointed in 1977 by the Janata Party Government in India to investigate and inquire into various allegations of abuse of power, corruption, and authoritarian practices during the state of emergency imposed by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi from 1975 to 1977. The state of emergency was declared in response to political unrest and protests.
Reasons for Appointment:
- Allegations of Authoritarianism: During the emergency, there were widespread allegations of abuse of power, curtailment of civil liberties, and suppression of political dissent. The government was accused of authoritarian practices, including mass arrests, censorship, and misuse of state machinery.
- Political Unrest: The imposition of emergency had led to a significant deterioration in civil and political freedoms, causing widespread political unrest. The Janata Party, which came to power in 1977 after the emergency was lifted, was committed to investigating and addressing the excesses committed during this period.
- Public Demand for Accountability: There was a strong public demand for accountability and justice for those who had suffered during the emergency. The appointment of the Shah Commission was a response to these demands and a commitment to uncovering the truth behind the alleged abuses.
Findings of the Shah Commission:
- Abuse of Power: The Shah Commission found evidence of abuse of power and misuse of state machinery during the emergency. It highlighted instances of political victimization, censorship, and suppression of dissent.
- Complicity of Authorities: The commission’s findings pointed to the complicity of authorities in carrying out actions that violated the rights of individuals and undermined democratic principles.
- Indira Gandhi’s Role: The commission’s report also addressed the role of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the decision-making processes during the emergency. It criticized her for the authoritarian measures taken and the curtailment of fundamental rights.
6. What reasons did the Government give for declaring a National Emergency in 1975?
Answer – The Government of India, led by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, declared a National Emergency in 1975 citing several reasons:
Internal Disturbances and Threat to Security: – The primary reason cited was the perceived threat of internal disturbances and challenges to the security of the state. The government argued that there was a breakdown of law and order, and internal turmoil necessitated extraordinary measures to restore stability.
Maintenance of Public Order: – The government claimed that the declaration of emergency was essential for the maintenance of public order. It argued that the country was facing a situation where normal governance mechanisms were inadequate to handle the scale of internal unrest and disturbances.
Alleged Destabilization Attempts: – The government asserted that there were attempts to destabilize the country by certain political forces and opposition groups. It pointed to alleged subversive activities and conspiracies that, according to the government, posed a grave threat to the nation’s stability.
Constitutional Provisions (Article 352): – The declaration of emergency was made under Article 352 of the Indian Constitution, which allows the President to proclaim emergency on grounds of a perceived threat to the security of India, whether due to war, external aggression, or internal disturbances.
Assertion of Executive Authority: –The government emphasized the need for strong executive authority to deal decisively with the perceived crisis. The declaration of emergency was presented as a measure to empower the government to take swift and comprehensive actions to address the internal challenges.
Answer – The Government of India, led by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, declared a National Emergency in 1975 citing several reasons:
Internal Disturbances and Threat to Security: – The primary reason cited was the perceived threat of internal disturbances and challenges to the security of the state. The government argued that there was a breakdown of law and order, and internal turmoil necessitated extraordinary measures to restore stability.
Maintenance of Public Order: – The government claimed that the declaration of emergency was essential for the maintenance of public order. It argued that the country was facing a situation where normal governance mechanisms were inadequate to handle the scale of internal unrest and disturbances.
Alleged Destabilization Attempts: – The government asserted that there were attempts to destabilize the country by certain political forces and opposition groups. It pointed to alleged subversive activities and conspiracies that, according to the government, posed a grave threat to the nation’s stability.
Constitutional Provisions (Article 352): – The declaration of emergency was made under Article 352 of the Indian Constitution, which allows the President to proclaim emergency on grounds of a perceived threat to the security of India, whether due to war, external aggression, or internal disturbances.
Assertion of Executive Authority: –The government emphasized the need for strong executive authority to deal decisively with the perceived crisis. The declaration of emergency was presented as a measure to empower the government to take swift and comprehensive actions to address the internal challenges.
7. 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?
Answer – The 1977 elections marked a significant political shift in India as the Opposition, represented by the Janata Party, came into power at the Centre, ending the era of uninterrupted rule by the Congress party since independence. Several factors contributed to this historic development:
- The Congress party, led by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, faced a strong anti-incumbency wave.
- The opposition adopted the slogan ‘Save democracy’ against imposition of emergency earlier.
- The period saw the emergence of the Jai Prakash Narayan (JP) movement, a mass mobilization against the authoritarianism of the Indira Gandhi-led government.
- The Janata Party, a coalition of opposition parties, presented a united front against the Congress. The alliance included leaders such as Morarji Desai, Jagjivan Ram, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and others.
- Indira Gandhi’s implementation of the 20-Point Program, which aimed at addressing economic disparities, failed to yield the desired results.
8. Discuss the effects of Emergency on the following aspects of our polity.
(a) Effects on civil liberties for citizens.
(b) Impact on relationship between the Executive and Judiciary.
(c) Functioning of Mass Media.
(d) Working of Police and Bureaucracy.
(a) Effects on Civil Liberties for Citizens:
- Suppression of Civil Liberties: The Emergency period witnessed a severe curtailment of civil liberties. Fundamental rights, including freedom of speech, expression, and movement, were suspended. Citizens faced censorship, arbitrary arrests, and detention without trial. The right to life and personal liberty was significantly compromised.
- Political Repression: There were widespread reports of political repression, with opposition leaders, activists, and journalists being arrested. The government’s use of preventive detention and censorship aimed at stifling dissent and opposition voices.
- Abuse of Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA): The Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) was misused during the Emergency, leading to the detention of thousands of individuals without proper legal recourse. The government’s actions resulted in a climate of fear and restricted political activities.
(b) Impact on Relationship between the Executive and Judiciary:
- Undermining Judicial Independence: The Emergency had a profound impact on the relationship between the Executive and Judiciary. The government, under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, sought to undermine judicial independence by appointing judges perceived as sympathetic to the ruling regime.
- Curtailment of Judicial Review: The government’s actions, such as the infamous “Habeas Corpus” case where the Supreme Court initially ruled in favor of the government, showcased a temporary curtailment of the judiciary’s ability to serve as a check on executive power.
- Post-Emergency Reassertion of Judicial Independence: The post-Emergency period saw a reassertion of judicial independence. The judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, played a crucial role in upholding constitutional values and reestablishing its position as a protector of fundamental rights.
(c) Functioning of Mass Media:
- Censorship and Self-Censorship: The media faced severe censorship during the Emergency. The government imposed strict controls on news reporting, resulting in self-censorship by media outlets to avoid punitive measures. Journalists were pressured to conform to the government’s narrative.
- Restrictions on Press Freedom: Newspapers and publications critical of the government were shut down, and journalists were arrested. The government’s control over the media limited the dissemination of diverse viewpoints, restricting the public’s access to unbiased information.
- Impact on Investigative Journalism: The fear of reprisals led to a decline in investigative journalism during the Emergency. Journalists were reluctant to expose government wrongdoings, contributing to a lack of transparency.
(d) Working of Police and Bureaucracy:
- Political Policing: The police, during the Emergency, were often used for political purposes. There were instances of arbitrary arrests and detentions without proper legal procedures. The police were instrumental in enforcing the government’s suppressive measures.
- Erosion of Bureaucratic Neutrality: The bureaucracy faced pressure to conform to the government’s agenda, leading to an erosion of bureaucratic neutrality. Officers who were perceived as not aligning with the government’s policies faced transfers and punitive actions.
Post-Emergency Reforms: The post-Emergency period witnessed efforts to restore the integrity of the police and bureaucracy. Reforms were introduced to prevent the misuse of power and to reinforce the principle of political neutrality in administrative bodies.
9. In what way did the imposition of Emergency affect the party system in India? Elaborate your answer with examples.
The imposition of Emergency in India had a profound impact on the party system, altering the dynamics of political competition and shaping the trajectory of several political parties. Here are ways in which the imposition of Emergency affected the party system:
Congress Dominance and Opposition Unity
- Before Emergency: The Indian National Congress had been the dominant political force, often securing a majority in elections.
- During Emergency: The imposition of Emergency led to the incarceration of opposition leaders and the curtailment of political activities. In response, opposition parties, ranging from socialist groups to the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, came together under the Janata Party umbrella during the 1977 elections.
Formation of Janata Party
- Unity of Opposition Forces: The Emergency prompted opposition parties to unite against the Congress government. The Janata Party, formed in 1977, was a coalition of diverse political groups, including the Janata Dal, Bharatiya Jana Sangh, and socialists. It marked a significant departure from the one-party dominance that characterized Indian politics.
Role of Janata Party in 1977 Elections:
- Electoral Victory: The Janata Party, riding on the anti-Emergency sentiment, secured a decisive victory in the 1977 elections. Morarji Desai became the Prime Minister, leading the first non-Congress government at the Centre.
- Fragmentation of Congress:
- Congress Split: The imposition of Emergency led to internal dissent within the Congress party. The split in the Congress, with leaders like Jagjivan Ram and Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna breaking away, weakened the party’s electoral prospects.
Return of Indira Gandhi and Congress (I):
- Post-Emergency Era: The Janata Party government faced internal conflicts, leading to its eventual disintegration. In the 1980 elections, Indira Gandhi returned to power with the Congress (I) securing a significant majority.
Emergence of Regional Parties
- Regionalization of Politics: The period following the Emergency witnessed the emergence of regional parties that capitalized on local issues and identities. This regionalization marked a shift from the earlier dominance of national parties.