Internal Emergency

Question 1

Describe the economic context that led to the imposition of Internal Emergency in 1975.

Answer 1

In 1973, prices increased by 23 percent and by 30 percent in 1974, leading to high inflation that caused significant hardship to the people.

Question 2

How did student protests in Gujarat and Bihar influence the political landscape during the Internal Emergency?

Answer 2

The student protests in Gujarat and Bihar had a far-reaching impact on both state and national politics, contributing to the decision to impose the Internal Emergency.

Question 3

Define the conflict between the government and the judiciary during the Internal Emergency period.

Answer 3

The government and the ruling party had significant differences with the judiciary, exemplified by the controversial appointment of Justice A. N. Ray as the Chief Justice India.

Question 4

What were the implications of the Internal Emergency on civil liberties?

Answer 4

The Internal Emergency led to the suspension of civil liberties, allowing the government to curtail or restrict Fundamental Rights, including pre-censorship of newspapers and imprisonment of journalists and activists.

Question 5

How did the Internal Emergency affect the distribution of power in India?

Answer 5

The Internal Emergency resulted in the centralization of power, effectively suspending the federal distribution of powers and concentrating authority in the hands of the union government, particularly the Prime Minister’s Office.

Question 6

What was the significance of the year 2024 in relation to the Internal Emergency?

Answer 6

The year 2024 marks the beginning of the 50th year since the imposition of Internal Emergency on June 25, 1975.

Question 7

Describe the main change introduced by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act (CAA) of 1976.

Answer 7

The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act extended the duration of the Lok Sabha from five to six years.

Question 8

How did the 42nd CAA impact dissent during its implementation?

Answer 8

The 42nd CAA led to a crackdown on dissent, with opposition leaders being arrested without trial under laws like the Maintenance of Internal Security Act, 1971 (MISA).

Question 9

Define the social consequences of the Emergency period in India.

Answer 9

The Emergency period saw widespread torture, custodial deaths, and authoritative slum clearance drives that displaced thousands without adequate resettlement plans.

Question 10

What was the impact of the Emergency on religious and cultural organizations?

Answer 10

Religious and cultural organizations like Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Jamaat-E-Islami were banned due to apprehensions of disturbing social and communal harmony.

Question 11

Explain the forced sterilizations that occurred during the Emergency.

Answer 11

The push for population control and family planning during the Emergency intersected with citizens’ rights to personal autonomy and reproductive freedom, leading to forced sterilizations.

Question 12

How was judicial independence affected during the Emergency?

Answer 12

Judicial independence was compromised, with judges perceived as unsupportive of the government being transferred or sidelined.

Question 13

What was the government’s aim with the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act regarding judicial review?

Answer 13

The government aimed to limit the scope of judicial review through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act.

Question 14

Describe the erosion of trust that occurred during the Emergency.

Answer 14

The arbitrary use of powers during the Emergency eroded citizens’ trust in governmental institutions.

Question 15

What change did the 44th Amendment Act of 1978 bring regarding the proclamation of Emergency?

Answer 15

The 44th Amendment Act stipulated that an Emergency can only be proclaimed based on written advice from the Cabinet to the President.

Question 16

Describe the scope of Article 359 during an emergency.

Answer 16

The scope of Article 359 is restricted, allowing the enforcement of the Right to protection in respect of conviction for offences (Article 20) and the right to life and personal liberty (Article 21) during an emergency.

Question 17

Define the change made to the right to property in the Constitution.

Answer 17

The right to property was omitted as a fundamental right and made a constitutional right under Article 300A.

Question 18

How was the term of Lok Sabha changed by recent amendments?

Answer 18

The term of Lok Sabha was changed back to 5 years from 6 years by amending Articles 83 and 172.

Question 19

What was the significance of the removal of Article 275A?

Answer 19

The removal of Article 275A eliminated the provision that allowed the Government of India to deploy armed forces to deal with grave situations of law and order in any State.

Question 20

Explain the role of the Supreme Court in judicial review concerning elections of the President or Vice-President.

Answer 20

The Supreme Court is responsible for inquiring into and deciding all doubts and disputes arising out of or in connection with the election of a President or Vice-President.

Question 21

How does the suppression of dissent during the Emergency highlight the role of citizens in democracy?

Answer 21

The suppression of dissent and curtailment of civil liberties during the Emergency underscore the importance of citizens in safeguarding democracy.

Question 22

What is the need for strengthening checks and balances within the democratic framework?

Answer 22

There is a need to strengthen checks and balances to prevent the concentration of power and uphold democratic principles.