Background to Emergency| Class 12 Political Science

Background to Emergency is a subpart of the Class 12 Political Science Chapter 6 which is known as the crisis of the democratic order. Background to Emergency talks about the country’s political landscape, different protests, social and economic crises, etc.

In this article, we are going to discuss Class 12 Political Science Chapter 6 subpart Background to Emergency in detail.

Background to Emergency

Indira Gandhi came up as a popular leader of Congress who was dominant but her leadership was characterized by huge public support due to her influence. During her time, the political competition increased too much. The situation was really hard and polarized. The problems and rivalry between contemporary parties were too harsh. The opponents continuously criticize the congress government for its decision and work.

At the same time, the tension between the government and the judiciary became more problematic. The judiciary started to criticize the government continuously for its initiatives as they seemed to be unconstitutional. In reply, the government started to say that the judiciary is a conservative body that is sabotaging the government implementations. Due to so many problems, the Congress party split into two different wings.

Economic Context and Background to Emergency

Post 1971, there were so many new challenges evolved. Congress government fought their election with the “Garibi Hatao” slogan but there were no changes in the society. The Bangladesh Liberation War also affected the Indian economy due to the uprising refugee crisis. Inflation happened in this context and created so many hardships in this time.

Due to the economic problems the industrial growth stopped and unemployment was at its peak. The government was unable to pay its employee’s salaries. Due to the poor monsoon season, agriculture works were also affected and food grain output dropped by 8% at that time.

So many people started to protest against the ruling government due to these economic problems. The naxal problem and insurgency rose in some parts of West Bengal. The government imposed so many harsh steps to suppress them.

Government Conflict with Judiciary

Three major issues happened between the government and the judiciary. These issues were related to the constitution where the government and judiciary became the opponents. Here are the three reasons as mentioned below.

• The parliament can abridge the Fundamental Rights and Supreme Court was against it.
• If parliament curtails any rights related to property, the court can reject the amendment.
• An amendment allows the parliament to abridge the Fundamental Rights of DPSP which was also rejected by the court.

The three problems created so many problems between the government and the judiciary. At this movement, on 12th June 1975, the Allahabad High Court declared that Indira Gandhi’s Lok Sabha contest was invalid. In its judgment, the high court clearly said that Indira Gandhi could not be the Prime Minister anymore and she could not be re-elected for the next six months as an MP. On 24th June, the Supreme Court of India granted a partial stay order on the High Court’s judgment. These causes fueld up the wish of declaring Emergency.

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FAQs on Class 12 Political Science Chapter Chapter 6 Background to Emergency

What were the causes of Emergency class 12 political science?

Emergency was proclaimed in response to petition filed by Raj Narain to declare Indira Gandhi’s election invalid. On June 25, 1975, the government declared the threat of internal disturbances to invoke Article 352 of constitution.

What is the background of the emergency?

The Emergency is one of the most controversial periods of Indian history since its independence. The final decision to impose an emergency was proposed by Indira Gandhi, agreed upon by the President of India, and ratified by the Cabinet and the Parliament from July to August 1975.

What is the background of emergency in India?

Indira Gandhi had then President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed impose Emergency every six months for a period of 21 months from June 25, 1975 to March 21, 1977. During the Emergency, Indira Gandhi bestowed upon herself the power to rule by decree.

What is the lesson of the emergency?

The Emergency serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding democratic principles and protecting the rights and freedoms of individuals. As the maxim goes, ‘Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty’ Indira Gandhi challenged the verdict in the Supreme Court.

What is the main objective of emergency?

An emergency plan specifies procedures for handling sudden or unexpected situations. The objective is to be prepared to: Prevent fatalities and injuries. Reduce damage to buildings, stock, and equipment.

What does Article 352 says?

Article 352 is the National Emergency Act where an emergency is announced by the President of India due to any armed rebellion, war or any other external attack or aggression.