Analyze the causes and consequences of the imposition of Emergency in India in 1975. How did this period impact the democratic framework and civil liberties in post-independent India?

On 25th June 1975, the darkest hour of Indian constitution began with the imposition of internal emergency, by the then government. Levels of Emergency: 1) Bangladesh War of 1971 => accelerated the economic hardships and inflation. 2) Oil crisis of 1973 triggered by Yom Kippur war => surge in import bills => inflation. 3) Droughts of 1972-73 => food supply issue => shortages of essential products. 4) Student protests in Gujarat and Bihar. 5) Workers' strikes due to delays of wages and poor working conditions.

Consequences of Emergency: 1) Suspension of civil liberties and fundamental rights. 2) Political opponents were jailed. Eg: Defence of India Act and MISA act. 3) Centralisation of power => suspension of state government and federal structure. 4) Forced sterilisations and misuse of office. 5) Committed judiciary => could not protect against excess of executive. Impacts on democratic framework and civil liberties: 1) Constitution amendments the loopholes and constitutional morality because the committed judiciary could not protect against excess of executive.