--- type: "Chapter" knowledge_type: "chapter" entity_type: "chapter" id: "66dfe3323f8b4e9e69bf84bb" title: "The crisis of democratic order" board: "CBSE" curriculum: "CBSE" class: "Class 12" subject: "Political Science" book: "Politics in India Since Independence" chapter: "The crisis of democratic order" chapter_slug: "the-crisis-of-democratic-order" canonical_url: "https://www.edzy.ai/cbse-class-12-political-science-politics-in-india-since-independence-the-crisis-of-democratic-order" markdown_url: "https://www.edzy.ai/okf/chapter/cbse-class-12-political-science-politics-in-india-since-independence-the-crisis-of-democratic-order.md" source_type: "examSubjectBookChapter" source_id: "66dfe3323f8b4e9e69bf84bb" source_pdf: "https://edzy-ai.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/edzy-express-ts/5bc5969a-f825-4fef-b446-5f6a36d0327c.pdf" source: "Edzy" version: 1 last_updated: "2026-06-20" --- # The crisis of democratic order This chapter discusses the significant changes within the Congress party after 1971, leading to a critical period in India's democratic history characterized by the imposition of Emergency in June 1975. The events from 1973 to 1975 raised questions about the functioning of democracy in India and highlighted the tension between the government and judiciary, as well as the economic challenges facing the nation. Ultimately, the Emergency ended in 1977 with the Congress party's defeat in the Lok Sabha elections, marking a pivotal moment in Indian politics. --- ## Knowledge Snapshot | Field | Details | | :--- | :--- | | Class | Class 12 | | Subject | Political Science | | Book | Politics in India Since Independence | | Chapter | The crisis of democratic order | | Pages | 92-111 | --- ## Chapter Summary ### Short Summary This chapter analyzes the events leading to the imposition of Emergency in India from 1973 to 1975, the internal and external challenges faced by the Congress party, and the political dynamics that unfolded during and after this critical period. ### Detailed Summary The chapter outlines the evolution of the Congress party, highlighting its initial recovery post-1971 elections and subsequent challenges including widespread protests, economic crises, and heightened conflicts with judiciary. The Emergency was declared following a ruling that invalidated Indira Gandhi's election, leading to significant restrictions on civil liberties. The aftermath of the Emergency saw renewed attention to civil rights and a pivotal shift in Indian political dynamics, culminating in the 1977 elections which expressed public dissent against the Emergency regime. --- ## Topic-Wise Explanation ### Background to Emergency The chapter discusses the rise of Indira Gandhi and her dominance in Indian politics, noting the polarization and tensions between the government and judiciary leading to increased political strife. ### Economic Context Post-1971 conditions deteriorated with inflation and economic stress exacerbated by the Bangladesh crisis and oil price surges, resulting in significant public dissatisfaction and protests. ### Gujarat and Bihar Movements Student-led protests in Gujarat and Bihar highlighted the demand for accountability and democracy, challenging the Congress party's governance and contributing to a larger political upheaval. ### Declaration of Emergency The Emergency was declared in response to escalating political crises and internal disturbances, leading to significant governmental overreach and suspension of Fundamental Rights. ### Crisis and Response This period saw widespread resistance against the Emergency, with underground movements forming amidst severe restrictions on dissent and media censorship. ### Consequences of Emergency The main takeaway was the resilience of Indian democracy, which resumed electoral processes quickly, prompting changes to prevent similar governmental overreach in the future. ### Lessons of the Emergency The Emergency underscored the necessity for safeguarding democratic institutions and civil liberties, emphasizing the need for vigilance against government encroachments. ### Politics after Emergency The aftermath of the Emergency revealed volatile political dynamics, with the Janata Party's victory following the Emergency indicating a shift in power, though internicene conflicts eventually led to a return of Congress governance later. --- ## Core Ideas | Idea | Explanation | | :--- | :--- | | Impact of Emergency | The imposition of Emergency had a profound effect on civil liberties and party politics in India, leading to significant constitutional amendments. | --- ## Key Concepts | Concept | Meaning | | :--- | :--- | | Emergency | A state governed by centralized authority with suspended civil rights due to perceived internal disorder. | --- ## Important Points for Revision * The Congress party faced severe challenges leading up to the Emergency. * Economic conditions worsened post-1971, leading to rising public discontent. * Significant protests in Gujarat and Bihar were direct responses to government policies. * The declaration of Emergency centralized governmental power and restricted Fundamental Rights. * The Emergency period witnessed significant censorship of the press and preventive detentions. * Post-Emergency, there was a swift return to electoral politics. * The 1977 elections served as a referendum on the Emergency. * The Janata Party's victory reflected public dissent against the Congress party's Emergency regime. --- ## Vocabulary and Glossary | Word / Phrase | Meaning | | :--- | :--- | | garibi hatao | Slogan meaning 'remove poverty,' used by Congress during the 1971 elections. | --- ## Practice Questions ### Short Answer Questions 1. What were the main reasons behind the imposition of the Emergency in India? 2. Describe the socio-economic conditions leading to the protests in Gujarat and Bihar. 3. What was the role of the judiciary during the Emergency? 4. How did the Emergency impact civil liberties in India? 5. Discuss the consequences of the 1977 elections for the Congress party. ### Long Answer Questions 1. Explain the process that led to the declaration of Emergency in India and its immediate aftermath. 2. Analyze the lessons learned from the Emergency period concerning the safeguarding of democracy in India. 3. Discuss the political dynamics in India following the Emergency and how they shaped future governance. --- ## Related Concepts | Concept | Explanation | | :--- | :--- | | Total Revolution | A call by Jayaprakash Narayan for a comprehensive demand for democracy in India, resonating with public unrest at the time. | --- ## Source Attribution | Field | Value | | :--- | :--- | | Source | Edzy | | Reference Type | examSubjectBookChapter | | Reference ID | 66dfe3323f8b4e9e69bf84bb | | Canonical URL | https://www.edzy.ai/cbse-class-12-political-science-politics-in-india-since-independence-the-crisis-of-democratic-order | | Markdown URL | https://www.edzy.ai/okf/chapter/cbse-class-12-political-science-politics-in-india-since-independence-the-crisis-of-democratic-order.md |