Question 4Discuss/ExplainGS1GS1
How did the Emergency (1975-77) impact India's democratic institutions and political landscape? (Answer in 150 words)
Introduction
Emergency was imposed by PM Indira Gandhi in response to Sampoorna Kranti Movement and cancelling of her candidature by S.C. in Indira Gandhi vs Raj Narain case.
27 words
Main Body
Impact on democratic institutions:
1Parliament stifled by doing away with need of quorum through 42nd amendment.
2Press - bans and pressure on media through raids/cancelling of licence eg. Indian express published blank editorial in protest.
3Judiciary - pushed for 'committed judiciary' by superseding judges and appointed pliant judges eg. Justice A.N. Ray made CJI superseding Justice Khanna.
4Police - used as an instrument against political opponents eg. jailing of George Fernandes, an opposition leader.
Impact on political landscape:
1Led to centralisation within congress weakening its local units.
2Use of Art 356 - President rule to dismiss opposition ruled governments in states.
3Discontent against emergency led to support for Janta party leading to its victory in 1977 elections.
4Formation of new parties as part of Sampoorna Kranti eg. Bihar - JDU and RJD formed.
141 words2 paragraphs
Conclusion
Emergency tested the strength of Indian democracy however Indian democracy passed the test and became more resilient through multiparty democracy and formation of civil society like PUCL, ADR.
28 words
- Good use of specific judgments and examples
- Institution-wise analysis
Topper
Animesh Jain
AIR 63
Subject & Paper
GS1GS1
Topic
Post-independence Consolidation and Reorganization within the country.
Emergency 1975-77
Impact on Democratic Institutions
Writing Stats
196
Total words
2
Paragraphs
structured, pointwise
Tone