The Emergency declared in India in 1975 was one of the most dramatic and controversial phases in Indian political history. Chapter 6 of NCERT Class 12 Political Science Part 2, titled The Crisis of Democratic Order, explores how the Indian democracy was tested when civil liberties were suspended, the press was censored, and opposition leaders were jailed. It also discusses how this period affected democratic institutions and what led to the return of democracy after 1977.

I chose to write about this chapter because it holds key lessons about the strength and vulnerability of democracy. For students, it offers a close look at real-life events that challenged constitutional values and political norms. The Emergency wasn’t just a political event—it was a warning about what could happen if democracy is not protected. Knowing this chapter helps us understand the role of institutions, opposition, judiciary, and people’s resistance. For exams like CBSE boards or competitive tests, this chapter is often asked because it deals with events that had a lasting impact on India’s political system. And personally, I think it’s one of the most gripping parts of the NCERT Political Science book.

What Was the Emergency of 1975?

• The Emergency was declared on 25 June 1975 by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi
• It was declared under Article 352 of the Constitution citing “internal disturbance”
• Civil liberties were suspended, opposition leaders were arrested, and press freedom was curbed
• Elections were postponed and constitutional rights were not available to citizens

Why Was Emergency Declared?

• The Allahabad High Court found Indira Gandhi guilty of electoral malpractice and disqualified her from Parliament
• Massive protests led by Jayaprakash Narayan (JP Movement) created political pressure
• The government feared breakdown of law and order and moved to impose Emergency as a preventive measure

Key Features of the Emergency Period

• Fundamental rights like freedom of speech and expression were suspended
• Newspapers were strictly censored before publishing anything critical of the government
• Thousands of opposition leaders and activists were jailed under preventive detention laws
• Forced sterilisation campaigns and slum demolitions in Delhi were carried out as part of “discipline and development” drives
• Judiciary did not stand up against the excesses of the government during this time

Opposition and Resistance

• Despite the suppression, many underground resistance movements continued
• People like Jaiprakash Narayan and groups like RSS, Socialist Party, and others played a major role in resisting Emergency
• International media criticised the Indian government’s move and called it authoritarian

General Elections of 1977

• Elections were held in March 1977 after almost two years of Emergency
• Indira Gandhi and the Congress party were defeated in a historic loss
• The Janata Party, a coalition of opposition groups, formed the new government
• This marked the first time since Independence that Congress was not in power at the Centre

Impact of the Emergency

• It showed that democracy can be undermined even in a constitutional setup
• Institutions like judiciary, media, and civil services became more cautious post-Emergency
• It led to more awareness among citizens about their democratic rights
• Some constitutional amendments were later made to prevent misuse of emergency powers in the future

Download PDF: NCERT Class 12 Political Science Part 2 Chapter 6 – The Crisis of Democratic Order

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NCERT Class 12 Political Science Part 2 Chapter 6 – The Crisis of Democratic Order