Question

Analysis of any two effects of the Emergency declared in 1975 on the politics of India.

Explain any four effects of the Emergency declared in 1975.

Answer 1

The consequences of the 1975 Emergency on Indian politics:

1. Extensive use of preventive detention: The government extensively used preventive detention. Under this provision, people were arrested and detained not because they had committed any offence but on the apprehension that they might commit an offence.
2. Press censorship: The administration suspended press freedom after deciding to deploy its exceptional powers under Emergency rules. All material to be published in newspapers was required to have prior approval. This is referred to as press censorship.
3. Political Consequences: Once declared an emergency, the federal allocation of powers is effectively suspended, and all authorities are centralized in the hands of the union administration. During the Emergency, the government also gains the authority to limit or restrict all or some of the Fundamental Rights.
4. Amendment in Constitution: 'The Parliament also made numerous revisions to the Constitution. In light of the Allahabad High Court's judgment in the Indira Gandhi case, an amendment was introduced stating that elections for Prime Minister, President, and Vice-President could not be contested in court. During the Emergency, the Forty-Second Amendment was also passed.