Class 12 Political Science - KERALA
Crisis of Democratic Order
The chapter 'Crisis of Democratic Order' explores one of the most turbulent periods in independent India's political history, focusing on the imposition of the Emergency in 1975 by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. For Kerala (SCERT) Class 12 students, this chapter is crucial for board exams as it covers background economic struggles, student unrest, the conflict between the judiciary and the executive, the declaration of internal emergency, its severe consequences on civil liberties, and the eventual return of democracy with the 1977 elections. Understanding these events helps students analyze the resilience of India's democratic framework.
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Background to Emergency
Economic crises like high inflation, unemployment, and food scarcity, combined with major student movements in Gujarat and Bihar, created massive political unrest against the Congress government in the mid-1970s.
Declaration of Emergency
On June 25, 1975, the government declared a national emergency under Article 352 citing internal disturbances, leading to the suspension of fundamental rights and the arrest of opposition leaders.
Consequences of Emergency
The Emergency resulted in widespread censorship of the press, curtailment of judicial powers, forced sterilizations, and widespread detention of political opponents without trial.
Lessons from Emergency
The crisis exposed the vulnerabilities of Indian democracy, leading to vital constitutional amendments and a stronger judiciary to prevent future misuse of emergency powers.
1977 General Elections
The Janata Party came to power in 1977, marking the first time the Congress party lost power at the Centre and proving the strength of the Indian electorate.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Kerala (SCERT) Class 12 Political Science board examination, this chapter typically carries around 8 to 12 marks. Questions frequently include objective-type questions, short answers on the causes and consequences of the Emergency, and essay-type questions analyzing the lessons learned by Indian democracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the main reasons for declaring the Emergency in 1975?
The Emergency was declared due to severe economic crises, nationwide agitations led by leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan, internal party conflicts, and a legal challenge against Indira Gandhi's election.
How did the Emergency affect fundamental rights and the judiciary?
Fundamental rights of citizens were suspended, press censorship was imposed, and the powers of the courts to protect civil liberties were severely curtailed through controversial constitutional amendments.
Why was the 1977 election a turning point in Indian politics?
The 1977 election ended the 30-year dominance of the Congress party at the Centre and established the reality that Indian voters would heavily punish authoritarian rule.
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