🟩 Chapter 6 – The Crisis of Democratic Order

🔹 Introduction

Democracy is a system of government by the people, for the people, and of the people.
India, since independence, followed a democratic framework based on constitutional principles.
However, India faced a major political crisis in the 1970s, which tested the resilience of its democratic institutions.
This chapter focuses on the Emergency period (1975-77), its causes, political developments, and outcomes.

Political Instability and Opposition:
- In the early 1970s, the Congress party faced growing opposition from regional parties and socialist movements.
- There was political unrest due to corruption, inflation, and unemployment.
Judicial Challenges:
- Kesavananda Bharati case (1973): The Supreme Court laid down the basic structure doctrine, limiting Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution.
- Judicial activism became a source of tension between the executive and judiciary.
Social Unrest:
- Navnirman Andolan (1973, Gujarat) and JP Movement (Bihar, 1974) demanded political and economic reforms.
- Strikes and protests by students and workers intensified.
Electoral Defeat in 1971 By-Elections:
- Growing public dissatisfaction led to a perception of loss of popular mandate for the government.

Date: 25th June 1975
Proclaimed by: President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed, under Article 352 of the Constitution.
Reason cited: Internal disturbance (later changed to “national emergency”).
Provisions Invoked:
- Suspension of Fundamental Rights (Articles 19 and others).
- Parliamentary oversight weakened, and the executive gained extraordinary powers.
Key Features of Emergency:
- Censorship of press and suppression of dissent.
- Arrest of political opponents without trial.
- Centralization of power, undermining federal principles.
- Policy measures: Forced sterilization campaign, slum clearance, and economic controls.

1977 General Elections:
- Emergency lifted in March 1977.
- Janata Party won decisively, ending Congress dominance.
Restoration of Democracy:
- Fundamental rights were restored.
- Press freedom and political expression resumed.
Constitutional Safeguards Strengthened:
- 44th Amendment (1978) ensured stricter conditions for declaring emergency, reducing executive arbitrariness.
Political Lessons:
- Democracy requires institutional checks and balance.
- Public mobilization and civil society are vital in defending democratic norms.
- Centralization of power can threaten federal and democratic structures.

Political:
- Collapse of Congress monopoly; rise of coalition politics.
- Greater political awareness and activism among citizens.
Social:
- Public mistrust of government; demand for accountability increased.
- Human rights violations highlighted the need for vigilance.
Legal/Constitutional:
- 44th Amendment safeguards; judicial review reinforced.
- Strengthened role of judiciary in protecting fundamental rights.
Economic:
- Policies like forced sterilization and slum clearance faced public backlash.
- Showed that economic development without democratic consent can be problematic.

The Emergency period (1975-77) was a major challenge to Indian democracy, testing the resilience of institutions and norms.
It highlighted that democracy is fragile without accountability, transparency, and citizen vigilance.
Post-Emergency reforms strengthened constitutional safeguards, ensuring that future misuse of power could be prevented.
The crisis demonstrated the importance of civil liberties, judicial independence, and free political opposition in sustaining democracy.
Overall, India emerged with stronger democratic institutions, greater political awareness, and lessons for future governance.