Question

Give two reasons of the declaration of National Emergency in 1975.

Hint:

It is useful to distinguish between the long-term context (economic crisis and the JP movement) and the immediate trigger (the Allahabad High Court judgment) when explaining the reasons for the Emergency.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The National Emergency was declared on 25 June 1975 by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's government. The declaration was based on the constitutional provision of 'internal disturbances'.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Two major reasons that led to the declaration of the National Emergency were:
1. Widespread Political Protests and Instability (The JP Movement): In the years leading up to 1975, there was growing political unrest due to economic problems like inflation and unemployment. Student-led protests in Gujarat and Bihar against the Congress government became a nationwide movement under the leadership of Jayaprakash (JP) Narayan. He called for 'Total Revolution' and organized mass protests, demanding the resignation of the government, which created a situation of intense political confrontation.
2. The Allahabad High Court Verdict: This was the immediate trigger. On 12 June 1975, the Allahabad High Court found Prime Minister Indira Gandhi guilty of electoral malpractice in her 1971 election campaign and declared her election to the Lok Sabha invalid. This verdict meant she would have to step down as Prime Minister, which posed a direct threat to her political power and precipitated the decision to impose an emergency.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Two key reasons for the 1975 Emergency were the nationwide political agitation led by Jayaprakash Narayan creating an atmosphere of instability, and the Allahabad High Court verdict that invalidated Indira Gandhi's election as an MP.