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The period of Internal Emergency in India (1975-1977) has been deemed as the 'dark age of Indian democracy'. Discuss.
The 1975 emergency in India stemmed from political unrest, economic challenges, a judicial crisis, opposition movements, and Gandhi's decision to declare an emergency due to escalating instability. The opposition, led by figures like Jayaprakash Narayan, criticized Indira Gandhi's government, whileRead more
The 1975 emergency in India stemmed from political unrest, economic challenges, a judicial crisis, opposition movements, and Gandhi’s decision to declare an emergency due to escalating instability. The opposition, led by figures like Jayaprakash Narayan, criticized Indira Gandhi’s government, while the Allahbad high court ruling against Gandhi added to the turmoil. The declaration of emergency on June 25, 1975, is considered the dark age of Indian democracy.
See less1) the fundamental rights of citizens were suspended.
2) It curtailed the power of Judicial Review from the courts.
3) Innumerable arrests were made including leaders of opposition parties.
4) censorship was imposed on the media and newspapers.
5) it also expanded union authority over the states leading to extreme centralisation.
6) many people were detained without trial and there were instances of abuse of power and police brutality.
The emergency declared for 21 months between 1975-77 has been criticised on various grounds and has been referred to as a dark phase in democracy due to the erosion of democratic values.
With the declaration of emergency, Indira Gandhi’s government aimed at centralising power, curtailed civil liberties, freedom of speech was restricted, opposition leaders were arrested, undermining democratic principles and functioning of the country.
Describe the various changes made in the Constitution by the 42nd and 44th Constitutional Amendment Acts. 200w
The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 brought various comprehensive changes in the constitution of India and therefore is also known as the "mini constitution" of India. The key changes brought by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976 includes- 1) The words 'socialist', 'secular' and 'integrity' were added to the PRead more
The 42nd Amendment Act of 1976 brought various comprehensive changes in the constitution of India and therefore is also known as the “mini constitution” of India.
See lessThe key changes brought by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976 includes-
1) The words ‘socialist’, ‘secular’ and ‘integrity’ were added to the Preamble.
2) It introduced Fundamental Duties (Article 51A) in part IV-A of the constitution.
3) The scope of Directive Principles of State Policy was widened.
4) The power of Judicial Review within the Supreme court and High courts were restricted.
5) Article 368 was amended, courts were no longer allowed to challenge the constitutionality of amendments.
6) Emergency provisions were altered and the President’s powers to declare and extend emergencies were broadened.
7) ‘Concurrent list’ was introduced and various subjects of the State list were shifted to concurrent list.
8)This amendment provided reservation to SC’s and ST’s in legislative bodies.
9) Provision was added for the creation of an administrative tribunal in relation to public services.
10) The tenure of lok sabha and state legislative assemblies increased from 5 to 6 years.
To nullify various provisions of 42nd Amendment Act, the 44th Amendment Act of 1978 was enacted which brought the following changes-
1) It restored the importance of Fundamental Rights.
2) The power of Judicial Review was restored.
3) It declared the grounds for emergencies (Article352) i.e. war, external aggression or armed rebellion.
4) Check on the president’s power during the emergency was revived.
5) Right to property was removed as a fundamental right and was made a legal right.
6) It also removed censorship from the media to report activities of parliament.