What were the reasons which led to the mid-term elections in 1980?

OR

What factors were responsible for the failure of the Janata Party?
Answer:

1. Janata party lacked direction, leadership and a common programme.

2. Janata party government could not bring a fundamental change in policies pursued by
Congress.
3. There was a split in Janata Party and the government led by Morarji Desai which lost its
majority in less than 18 months.
4. Charan Singh government was formed due to support of Congress party which later
decided to withdraw its support resulting resignation of Charan Singh government within four
months.
5. All the above-mentioned reasons led midterm elections of 1980, which defeated Janata
Party and again Congress led by Indira Gandhi came back to power by winning 353 seats.

The Shah Commission was appointed in 1977 by the Janata Party Government. Why
was it appointed and what were its findings?
Answer:

The Shah commission was appointed in May 1977 by Janata Party government which was
headed by J.C. Shah, retired chief justice of Supreme Court of India to look into the matters
of:
1. Allegations of abuse of authority, excesses and malpractices as well as actions taken in the
name of emergency proclaimed on 25 June 1975.
2. The Commission performed to examine various evidences to give testimonies even
including Indira Gandhi to appear before Commission, but she refused to answer any
questions.
Findings of Shah Commission:
(a) It found many ‘excesses’ committed during Emergency.
(b) Under preventive detention laws nearly one lakh eleven thousand people were arrested.
(c) Press censorship took place without any proper legal sanctions.
(d) Even general manager of Delhi Power Supply Corporation received verbal orders from
the officers of the Lt. Governor of Delhi to cut electricity to all newspapers press at 2 a.m. on
26 June 1975.

What reasons did the Government give for declaring a National Emergency in 1975?
Answer: Emergency was proclaimed in response to petition filed by Raj Narain to declare
Indira Gandhi’s election invalid.
(i) On June 25, 1975, the government declared the threat of internal disturbances to invoke
Article 352 of constitution.
(ii) Article 352 can declare emergency on ground of either internal or external disturbances.
(iii) The government decided a grave crisis to be arisen to proclaim emergency to bring law
and order, restore efficiency and implement pro-poor welfare programmes.
(iv) The President Fakhruddin Adi Ahmad proclaimed emergency which became the most
controversial episode in Indian Politics.

The 1977 elections for the first time saw the Opposition coming into power at the
Centre. What would you consider as the reasons for this development?

Or

What were the reasons for the victory of Janata Party in 1977?

Or

What were the reasons of Congress defeat in 1977

Answer: The 1977 elections were evolved as a shock to everyone as Congress party was
defeated for the very first time and opposition party came into power:

1. The opposition adopted the slogan ‘Save democracy’ against imposition of emergency
earlier.

2. The opposition campaigned non- democratic character of rule which provided various
excesses.
3. The opposition party highlighted the preventive detention and press censorship to favour
public opinion.
4. All the opposition parties joined hands to contest against the Congress. Janata Party also
ensured not to divide non-Congress votes.
5. Middle section of north India was moving away from Congress for whom Janata Party
became a platform.
Hence, elections of 1977 emerged many other factors instead about emergency only.

Discuss the effects of Emergency on the following aspects of our polity.

(a) Effects on civil liberties for citizens.
(b) Impact on relationship between the Executive and Judiciary.
(c) Functioning of Mass Media.
(d) Working of Police and Bureaucracy.
Answer: (a) Effects on Civil Liberties for Citizens:

Fundamental Rights were suspended.

1. The government made large scale arrests under preventive detention.
2. Arrested political persons could not challenge arrest even under Habeas Corpus petition.
3. Despite of filing many petitions government claimed it not to be necessary to be informed
on grounds to arrested persons.
4. In April 1976, finally it was proved that the government could take away citizen’s right to
life and liberty by overruling of high courts under supreme court and accept government’s
plea.
(b) Impact on Relationship between the Executive and Judiciary:
1. The Parliament brought in many new changes in Constitution which made an amendment
declaring that elections of Prime Minister, President and Vice-President could not be
challenged in the court.
2. The forty-second amendment (42nd) was also passed to bring a series of changes in
constitution like duration of legislatures, elections can be postponed by one
year during an emergency.
(c) Functioning of Mass Media:
1. Press censorship took place which banned freedom of press and newspapers were supposed
to prior approval before theypublish any material i.e. RSS and Janata Island were banned.
2. Protests, strikes and public agitations were also banned.
3. Various fundamental rights were also suspended including even Right to move to court for
restoration of Fundamental Rights.
4. Kannada writer ShivaramaKaranth awarded with Padma Bhushan and Hindi writer
FanishwarnathTlenu with Padmashri returned their awards in protest against suspension of
democracy.
5. Newspapers mainly Indian Express, and the statesman protested against censorship by
leaving blank spaces where news items were censored.
(d) Working of Police and Bureaucracy:

There was committed bureaucracy.

The government made large scale arrests under preventive detention. Detention of innocent
people by police without charge or notification of families.

Abuse and torture of detainees and political prisoners was reported.

Forced family planning programme specially of the poor people, detainees.

Arbitrary destruction of the slum and low-income housing in the Turkman Gate and Jama
masjid area of old Delhi.

The Shah Commision report found that most Indian Administrative Service officers accepted
orders even though they thought these orders were improper and had political motives.

In what way did the imposition of Emergency affect the party system in India?
Elaborate your answer with examples.
Answer: 1. Due to absolute majority to party in power, leadership even dared to suspend
democratic process.
2. The constitution makers presumed to be abide by laws and democratic orders, hence, wide
and open ended powers were given to the government during emergency.
3. A tension and differences arose between institution based democracy and democracy based
on spontaneous popular participation.
4. It was attributed to incapability of party system to incorporate aspirations of the people.
5. For the first time, opposition parties came together to form a new party ‘Janata Party’ not
to divide the non-Congress votes.
6. 1977 elections brought an end to one party dominance and created coalition government.
 Examine the legacy of emergency of 1975 in India.
Answer: The legacy of emergency was felt in everysphere of people’s life and politics:
1. Between the elections of 1977 and 1980, Congress identified itself with particular
ideology, claiming to be only socialist and pro-poor party.
2. The concept of non-Congression was created among oppositions parties.
3. The issues of welfare of backward classes began to dominate politics i. e. northern states
elected non-Congress leaders of backward class since 1977.
4. This period of emergency saw the period of constitutional crisis to loose its origin in
constitutional battle over jurisdiction of parliament and judiciary.
5. This period created political crisis also as the party in power enjoyed absolute majority,
still decided to suspend the democratic process.
6. The emergency tensed between institution based democracy and democracy based on
spontaneous popular participation for which party system was to be blamed.
Analyse any three lessons learnt from the emergency of 1975.
Answer: (i) The emergency of 1975 at once brought out both the weaknesses’ and the
strengths of India’s democracy. Though there are many observers who think that India ceased
to be democratic during the emergency, it is noteworthy that normal democratic functioning
resumed within a short span of time. Thus, one lesson of Emergency is that it is extremely
difficult to do away with democracy in India.
(ii) It brought out some ambiguities regarding the emergency provision in the constitution
that have been rectified since. Now ‘internal’ emergency can be proclaimed only on the
grounds of ‘armed rebellion’ and it is necessary that the advice to the President to proclaim
emergency must be given in writing by the Council of Ministers.
(iii) The Emergency made everyone aware of the value of civil liberties. The courts, too, have
taken an active role after the emergency in protecting the civil liberties of the individuals.
This is in response to the inability of the judiciary to protect civil liberties effectively during
the emergency. Many civil liberties organizations came up after this experience.
The 1977 elections for the first time saw the opposition coming to power at the centre’.
Examine any six reasons for this change.
Answer: The 1977 elections were evolved as a shock to everyone as Congress Party was
defeated for the very first time and opposition party came into power:
1. The opposition adopted the slogan ‘save democracy’ against imposition of emergency
earlier.
2. The opposition campaigned non- democratic character of rule which provided various
excesses.
3. The opposition party highlighted the preventive detention and press censorship to favour
public opinion.
4. Janata Party also ensured not to divide non-Congress votes.
5. Middle section of North India was moving away from Congress for whom Janata Party
became a platform.
6. Hence, elections of 1977 emerged many other factors instead about emergency only
Question: What reasons, do you think, were responsible for the declaration of emergency in
1975? Examine any two reasons. (All India 2013)
OR
Why was the emergency declared in India on 25th June, 1975? (All India 2011)
OR
Describe any four circumstances for proclamation of emergency in 1975? (Delhi 2008: All
Indin 2008)
Answer:The circumstances which led to the proclamation of emergency were :

1. Bihar and Gujarat’s movement created an unrest in the country. Students were
protesting against the price rise and against the established government in these
states. Congress as ruling party failed to handle these protests. Leadership by
influential leaders further gave them a momentum against government.
2. Increases in Naxalite activities against government and violent nature troubled
the government. Naxalite had an anti-government view. Even harsh measures
by government could not stop them.
3. George Fernandes gave a call for nationwide strike to all the railwaymen. Their
demands were suppressed by the government. Shut down of such a big
institution created havoc in the country.
4. Declaration of Indira Gandhi’s 1971 election invalid was a last straw. Jai
Prakash Narayan organised a massive demonstration demanding her
resignation. The situation was tense and emergency was declared on 25th June,
1975.
5. Call of complete revolution by Jai Prakash Narayan and unexpected people
movement in Delhi.
6. Jai Prakash Narayan announced a nationwide satyagraha for resignation and
asked the army, the police and government employees not to obey ‘illegal and
immoral orders.’

Q. Why is the ‘emergency’ and the period around it known as the period of constitutional
crisis? Explain. (Delhi 2013)
Answer:
The emergency and the period around it was known as a period of constitutional crisis
because it had its origin in the constitutional battle over the jurisdiction of the Parliament and
the judiciary.

During emergency government got extra powers. It gained the power to suspend the
Fundamental Rights of the citizens. Measures like preventive detention was misused by
government. Right to move the court for the restoration of Fundamental Rights were taken
away.

(i) The Parliament brought in many new changes in constitution which made an
amendment declaring that elections of Prime Minister, President and Vice
President could not be challenged in the court.
(ii) An amendment was also passed to bring a series of changes in constitution like
‘duration of legislatures’, ‘elections can be postponed by one year during
Emergency’.
(iii) The fundamental rights of the citizens and provisions such as habeas corpus were
suspended by the government and supported by the Supreme Court. (iv) Article
342 was misused by the government for self-benefit and had to change after the
Emergency.
(iv) The government put restrictions on Article 368 and on judicial review of the
decisions of the Parliament and executive.
 (v) It was also a period of political crisis because the party in power had absolute
majority and yet, its leadership decided to suspend the democratic process.

Question How did the Emergency of 1975 benefit the Indian democratic set up? (All India
2009)
Answer:
The Emergency of 1975 benefitted the Indian democratic set up in following manner :

 It checked the issues of regionalism and separatism.

 As a reaction to the Emergency various parties united and fought against
Congress in the elections of 1977 which consolidated the democracy.
 It challenged the dominance of one party.
 Some of the ambiguities regarding the emergency provision in the Constitution
were rectified.

Question: Examine the conditions responsible for the growth of Naxalite movement in India.
Suggest ways and means to crush it. (All India 2016)
OR
What is ‘Naxalite movement’? Evaluate its role in Indian Politics. (Delhi 2009)
OR
Evaluate the role of the ‘Naxalite movement’ in India, (All India 2009)
Answer: Naxalite movement is a kind of guerrilla groups in India, mostly associated with the
Communist Party of India (Maoist). The term Naxal derives from the name of the village
Naxalbari in West Bengal, where the movement had its origin.

 Naxalite Movement in India

1967, a peasant uprising took place in the Naxalbari police station area of Darjeeling
hills (West Bengal).
 The Communists argued that democracy in India was a shame and decided to adopt a
strategy of protracted guerrilla warfare in order to lead to a revolution.
 Role of Naxalite Movement in Indian Politics
Naxalite movement gave impetus to the demand of equal distribution of land. Their
demand are region specific and they have rejuvanated the tribal movements in India.
Due to such movements separatism has become a burning issue.
 Their violent nature has posed risk on the socio-economic-politic structure of India.
 Measures to Control
Socio-economic issues should be solved in region specific manner keeping in view
that India is a land of diversity and nature of problems varies from region to region.
 There should be strong political will to keep away regionalism and separatism from
politics.

Question: Why is emergency considered to be one of the most controversial episodes in

Indian politics? (All India 2016)
OR
Assess the controversies relating to the declaration of Emergency in 1975 in India.
Answer:
Emergency is one of the most controversial episodes in Indian politics. There are varying
assessments of the need and lessons learnt from the emergency:
Condition of Emergency
The Constitution simply mentioned ‘internal disturbances’ as the reason for declaring
emergency. Before 1975, emergency was never proclaimed on this ground. The government
argued that in a democracy, the opposition parties must allow the elected ruling party to
govern according to its policies. It felt that frequent recourse to agitations, protests and
collective action are not good for democracy.

Supporters of Indira Gandhi also held that in a democracy, you cannot continuously have
extra-parliamentary politics targeting the government. This leads to instability and distracts
the administration from its routine task of ensuring development.

On the other hand, the critics of the emergency argued that ever since the freedom movement,
Indian politics had a history of popular struggles. JP and many other opposition leaders felt
that in a democracy, people had the right to publicly protest against the government. The
Bihar and Gujarat agitations were mostly peaceful and non-violent.

Assessment of Emergency
Most of promises by the government remained unfulfilled, that these, were simply meant to
divert attention from the excesses that were taking place. They question the use of preventive
detention on such a large scale.

The Shah Commission estimated that nearly one lakh eleven thousand people were arrested
under preventive detention laws. Severe restrictions were put on the press, sometimes without
proper legal sanctions.

Lessons of Emergency

1. It is extremely difficult to remove democracy from India.

2. It brought out some ambiguities regarding the emergency provision in the
Constitution that have been rectified since. Now, ‘Internal’ emergency can be
proclaimed only on the grounds of ‘armed rebellion’ and it is necessary that the
advice to the President to proclaim emergency must be given in writing by the
Council of Minister.
3. The emergency made everyone more aware of the value of civil liberties. The
Courts too, have taken an active role after the emergency in protecting the civil
liberties of the individuals.
4. The actual implementation of the emergency rule took place through the police
and the administration. These institutions could not function independently.
They were turned into political instruments of the ruling party.

Question: Analyse the circumstances responsible for the declaration of a state of emergency
in India on 25th June, 1975. (Delhi 2016)
OR
Examine any six reasons for the imposition of emergency in India 1975. (All India 2014)
OR
‘Was the declaration of emergency in 1975 necessary?’ Support your answer with any three
suitable arguments. (Delhi 2013)
OR
Why was the national emergency declared in India on 25th June, 1975? Analyse any three
consequences of this emergency. (Delhi 2000)
OR
Analyse any three reasons for imposing emergency on 25th June, 1975. Did the government
misuse its emergency powers? Give any three arguments in support of your answers. (Delhi
2011)
OR
What factors led to the declaration of internal emergency in India on 25th June, 1975? (Delhi
2009)
OR
Write a brief note on the background leading to the declaration of emergency on 25th June,
1975 in India. (Delhi (C) 2008)
Answer:
The circumstances which led to the proclamation of emergency were (any four) :

1. Bihar and Gujarat’s movement created an unrest in the country. Students were
protesting against the price rise and against the established government in these
states. Congress as ruling party failed to handle these protests. Leadership by
influencial leaders further gave them a momentum against government.
2. Increases in Naxalite activities against government and violent nature troubled
the government. Naxalite had an anti government view. Even harsh measures
by government could not stop them.
3. George Fernandes gave a call for nationwide strike to all the railwaymen. Their
demands were suppressed by the government. Shut down of such a big
institution created havoc in the country.
4. Declaration of Indira Gandhi’s 1971 election invalid was a last straw. Jai
Prakash Narayan organised a massive demonstration demanding her
resignation. The situation was tense and emergency was declared on 25th June,
1975.
5. Call of complete revolution by Jai Prakash Narayan and unexpected people
movement in Delhi.
6. Jai Prakash Narayan announced a nationwide satyagraha for resignation and
asked the army, the police and government employees not to obey ‘illegal and
immoral orders.’

Assess any three happenings which were responsible for the downfall of the Congress Party
in the 1977 elections. (All India 2014)
OR
“The opposition to emergency could keep the Janata Party together only for a while.”
Evaluate. (HOTS; All India 2009)
Answer:
Three happenings which were responsible for the downfall of the Congress Party in the 1977
election were :
 1. The major opposition parties had already come closer in the pre-emergency
period. Now they came together on the eve of the elections and formed a new
party known as the Janata Party.
2. Some leaders of the Congress who were opposed to the emergency also joined
this new party. Some other Congress leaders also came out and formed a
separate party under the leadership of JagjivanRAnswer:
3. The Janata Party’s campaign was focused on the non-democratic character of
the rule and on the various excesses that took place during the emergency.

The opposition to emergency could keep the Janata Party together only for a while because
the party lacked direction, leadership and a common programme. The Janata Party
Government could not bring about a fundamental change in policies from those pursued by
Congress. The Janata Party split and the government which was led by Morarji Desai lost its
majority in less than 18 months.

Explain any six factors responsible for the defeat of the Congress Party in 1977 elections.
(All India 2013)
OR
“The 1977 elections for the first time saw the opposition coming to power at the centre.”
Examine any six reasons for this change, (HOTS; Delhi 2012)
OR
“Governments that are perceived to be anti-democratic are severely punished by the voters.”
Explain the statement with reference to the emergency period of 1975-77. (HOTS; All India,
2010, Delhi 2008)
OR
“Government that seem to be unstable and quarrelsome are severely punished by the voters.”
Explain with reference to Janata Party rule. (HOTS; All India 2008)
Answer:
In January 1977, after 18 months of emergency, government decided to hold the election.
Decision was quick, parties did not have enough time for preparation. Janata Party which had
formed during pre-emergency period by coalition of various anti-Congress and anti-
emergency parties decided to fight against Congress. Result of 1977 came out with a big
surprise to the country. For the first time since, independence Congress had lost in centre.
Janata Party won 330 out of 542 seats.

The main reason behind Congress defeat in 1977 were :

 Its anti-democratic decisions.

 Imposition of emergency had negative impact on the image of Congress.
 During emergency Congress had used harsh measures like demolition, forced
sterilisation, displacement etc.
 That is why people decided not to elect Congress representative to next Lok
Sabha election and Janata Party, who gave public a bright look of democracy
and was sympathic towards public, was elected.
 The middle class from North India, where the impact of emergency was at its
peak, moved away from Congress.
  Janata Party became a platform for different groups of people.
 It can be said that voters punished anti-democratic government.

What were the major conflicts between the Parliament and the Judiciary during the leadership
of Indira Gandhi? (All indie 2011 )
OR
Analyse the conflict between the Judiciary and the Parliament in India in 1973. (All India to
2008)
Answer:
This period also witnessed tensions in the relationship between the Parliament and the
Judiciary. The major conflicts between the Parliament and Judiciary during the leadership of
Indira Gandhi were :

1. On the issue of Fundamental Right and right to property, the Supreme Court
denied the amendment to Constitution. While on the issue of Fundamental
Right giving effect to Directive principles, Parliament amended the
Constitution, but later Supreme Court rejected it.
2. Court gave a decision that there are some basic features of the Constitution and
the Parliament cannot amend these basic features. This created tension between
parliament and jucidiary.
3. Tension between judiciary and executive further expanded, when a vacancy
arose of the post of Chief Justice of India. As per the constitutional rule, senior-
most judge of the Supreme Court should be appointed as Chief Justice of India
in case of vacancy. But in 1973 government ignored the seniority of three
judges and appointed Ajit Nath Ray as Chief Justice of India.
4. Appointment became a topic of tension. Government’s decision was questioned
by the three judges who were superseded.
People were talking about the need of a judiciary and bureaucracy which would
be committed to the plan of executive and legislature. Highest point in
controversy came when High Court declared Indira Gandhi’s election invalid.

Highlight the legacy of Janata Government which came into power after end of the
Emergency of 1975-77. Delhi 2009
Answer:
Janata Party Government came to power after the 1977 election. It was the first party after
independence who defeated Congress in the Lok Sabha elections. The Congress could win
only 154 seats. Janata Party and its allies won 330 out of the 542 seats.

The legacy of Janata Government which came into power after emergency of 1977 is
highlighted in points below :

1. Fundamental Right of property was made a legal right.

2. The status and powers of Judiciary was restored.
3. Fundamental Rights were made superior in comparison to the Directive
Principles of State Policy.
 4. 44th amendment was passed by the Janata Party and all the negative features of
42nd amendment were corrected.

Picture Based Question

Question 1.
Study the cartoon given below carefully and answer the following questions (Delhi 2012)

(i) Identify and name the person holding in his hand , the placard ‘Save Democracy’.
(ii) In your opinion, the group of five persons belongs to which political party?
(iii) According to the group of five, what are the intentions of the person sitting on ‘Dharna’?
(iv) Which issues responsible for the downfall of democracy are highlighted in the cartoon?
Answer:
(i) Jai Prakash Narayan is holding the placard ‘Save Democracy’.
(ii) Congress Party.
(iii) Support democracy, create chaos, grab power.
(iv) The issue responsible for the downfall of democracy highlighted in the cartoon are
corruption, lawlessness, violence, etc.

Study the picture given below and answer the questions that follow:
1. When did cartoon appear in the newspaper and why?
2. Identify the person behind Indira Gandhi.
3. Identify what does the ‘Political Crisis’ stand for. Explain.
Answer:
1. This cartoon appeared few days before the declaration of emergency to capture the
sense of impending political crisis.
2. The then Congress president D.K. Barooah.
3. Political crisis in 1977 made the party system in India look like a two party system i.e.
Congress and non¬Congress to end one party dominance and emergence of non-
Congress party Janata Party as an umbrella for others.

Ques. Study the picture given below and answer the questions that follow:

Questions
1. What situation does the picture refer to?
2. Which Commission is represented into the cartoon?
3. Mention some points of this Commission’s report.

Answer:
1. Appearance of Indira Gandhi before Commission but refused to answer any question.
2. Shah Commission’s report about emergency.
3. (i) There were many excesses committed during emergency.
(ii) Several restrictions were put on the press sometimes without legal sanction.
(iii) Many people were arrested under preventive detention law.
(iv) Even general manager of Delhi Power Supply Corporation received verbal orders
from the officers of Lt. Governor of Delhi to cut electricity to all newspaper presses at 2
a.m. on 26 June 1975.
Development Meeting: Agenda

1. Offline Preboard Exams.

2. Opening Pre primary section
3. Outsourcing English training
4. PE track suits - designing and procurement.
5. Annual function in this session.
6. Increased strength - infrastructural and human resource management
7. English curriculum of I to V.
8. Q P of all subjects in VI to be revised..
9. Fixing of Moderators to be reviewed.
10. Offline PTM and Hardcopy of report cards.
11. Feedback and review of Malola Education - Collaboration
12. Offline Parent Orientation of X and XII.
13. Inter SPS Question Bank For X and XII - Google Drive
14. Multiskill Training session -2020-21 Certificates to trainees.
15. Multiple sessions taken by the same resource person.
16. Increase in the strength of I and II for offline.
17. Eval Bee app for OMR sheet for X and XII.
18. Introduction of Vocational skills in XI and XII.
19. Stayback for teachers once in fortnight for Subject, Section and Staff meeting.
20. Sharing about workshop of Prof H C Verma in December and deputing SPOC for
the same.