Question

In what ways was the Emergency period a setback to the Indian democracy?

Answer 1

Instructions:
Divide the answer into the following points for a clear approach:

• Reason for the Emergency: Explain the reason why the Indira Gandhi government decided to impose a state of Emergency in India.
• Destruction of Democracy: Explain the ways in which the rights of the people were curbed by the government during this period.
• 42nd Constitutional Amendment: Explain the clauses of the 42nd Constitutional Amendment and what was its actual impact on democracy.

Solution:

• The Emergency was announced by the Indira Gandhi government as a protective measure to preserve order and national integrity, and to protect the social and economic transformation of the country.
• This period had a massive impact on the democracy of the country. The fundamental rights of the citizens were suspended, people were detained without any reason, and civil rights were violated. Slums were demolished and people were forcefully sterilized.
• One of the most important incidents during this period was the 42nd Constitutional Amendment. This amendment aimed at protecting the social and economic legislation of the country from judicial interference. However, it weakened the democracy.