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Trace the circumstances that led to the promulgation of emergency in 1975 and discuss its implications.
The President, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, announced a National Emergency in India on 25 June 1975 under Article 352 of the Indian Constitution due to internal disturbances in the country. Circumstances Leading to the Emergency: 1. Allahabad High Court Judgment: On 12 June, Justice Jagmohan Lal Sinha of tRead more
The President, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, announced a National Emergency in India on 25 June 1975 under Article 352 of the Indian Constitution due to internal disturbances in the country.
Circumstances Leading to the Emergency:
1. Allahabad High Court Judgment: On 12 June, Justice Jagmohan Lal Sinha of the Allahabad High Court declared Indira Gandhi’s election to the Lok Sabha as null and void.
2. Economic Crisis: The country faced a major economic crisis, marked by low industrial growth and high unemployment. The failure of the monsoon in 1972-73 led to a sharp decline in agricultural productivity.
3. Political Opposition: Opposition political parties, led by Jayaprakash Narayan, called for Indira Gandhi’s resignation and organized a massive demonstration in Delhi’s Ramlila ground on 25 June 1975. Narayan also urged the army not to obey “illegal and immoral orders.”
4. Railway Strike: In addition to the agitation led by Jayaprakash Narayan, railway employees called for a nationwide strike in 1974, posing a significant threat.
All of these factors contributed to the emergency.
Implications of the Emergency:
1. Suspension of Civil Liberties: The fundamental rights of citizens were curtailed, preventing them from challenging the emergency in court.
2. Misuse of Preventive Detention: The government misused preventive detention by making large-scale arrests during the emergency.
3. Press Censorship: The government imposed censorship on the press. Newspapers were asked to obtain permission for all materials to be published.
4. Authoritarian Rule: Indira Gandhi and her government wielded enormous authority, centralizing decision-making.
5. Constitutional Amendments:
a) During the emergency, amendments were made to the constitution to prevent challenges to the elections of the Prime Minister, Chief Minister, and President.
b) The 42nd Amendment was passed, extending the duration of the legislative assembly from 5 to 6 years.
Overall, the emergency period was seen as a blight on Indian democracy, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding democratic institutions and civil liberties.
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