Class 12 Political Science - UP
Crisis of Democratic Order
The chapter 'Crisis of Democratic Order' in Class 12 Political Science (UPMSP) explores the most turbulent phase in independent India's political history: the declaration of Emergency in 1975 by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Students learn about the economic and political background leading to the crisis, conflicts between Parliament and the judiciary, the suspension of fundamental rights, press censorship, and the widespread misuse of preventive detention. It also covers the JP movement, the 1977 Lok Sabha elections that brought the Janata Party to power, and the important lessons this period taught about the resilience of India's democracy.
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Background to Emergency
Economic hardships, inflation, student protests in Gujarat and Bihar led by Jayaprakash Narayan (JP), and railway strikes created severe political unrest before 1975.
Declaration of Emergency
On June 25, 1975, the government declared a national emergency under Article 352 citing 'internal disturbance', suspending fundamental rights and curtailing democratic freedoms.
Consequences of Emergency
The period witnessed widespread arrests of opposition leaders, strict press censorship, forced sterilizations, and curtailment of judicial powers through constitutional amendments.
The Janata Party Experiment
The 1977 general elections defeated the Congress party for the first time at the center, leading to the formation of the first non-Congress coalition government under Morarji Desai.
Lessons of Emergency
The crisis exposed the vulnerability of Indian democracy but ultimately strengthened it by introducing safeguards, reinforcing judicial independence, and making the Constitution harder to subvert.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Uttar Pradesh (UPMSP) board exams, this chapter typically carries around 6 to 8 marks. Questions frequently include very short answer questions (VSAQs) on dates and leaders, short notes on the JP movement or Shah Commission, and long-answer questions evaluating the causes and consequences of the 1975 Emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Emergency declared in 1975?
It was declared due to internal disturbances, severe economic crisis, escalating political protests led by opposition leaders like Jayaprakash Narayan, and the Allahabad High Court ruling against Indira Gandhi.
What major changes happened during the 1977 elections?
For the first time since independence, the Indian National Congress lost power at the center, and the Janata Party formed a coalition government, marking a major turning point in Indian democracy.
What was the role of the Shah Commission?
The Janata Party government appointed the Shah Commission in 1977 to inquire into the allegations of misuse of power, excesses, and malpractices committed during the 1975 Emergency.
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