On June 12, 1975, Justice Jagmohan Lal Sinha declared Indira Gandhi’s election to the Lok Sabha void (Refer to Figure 6.3) due to alleged misuse of government resources during her campaign. Although the Supreme Court granted a partial stay, allowing her to remain an MP, she couldn’t participate in Lok Sabha proceedings.

Political Confrontation

Amidst growing demands for her resignation, spearheaded by Jayaprakash Narayan and the opposition, a major demonstration took place in Delhi on June 25, 1975.

Declaration of Emergency

Imposition of Emergency Rule: Citing internal disturbances, the government invoked Article 352 on June 25, 1975, centralizing powers at  Union and curbing Fundamental Rights.

• Crackdown on Dissent: Prominent opposition figures were arrested, press censorship was implemented, and electricity to major newspaper offices was cut off.

Effects of the Emergency

Crackdown on Dissent: Political agitation halted, and numerous opposition leaders were jailed.

• Press freedom was suspended, and organizations like the RSS and Jamaat-e-Islami were banned.
• Erosion of Civil Liberties: Citizens’ Fundamental Rights, including seeking judicial intervention for their restoration, were suspended.
• Mass Arrests: Under preventive detention, many were arrested without having committed offenses, merely on suspicion.
• Curtailing Judicial Review: A controversial Supreme Court judgment during the Emergency further stripped citizens of their right to life and liberty.

Acts of Resistance

Various acts of dissent included newspapers displaying blank spaces, underground newsletters, writers returning awards, and underground protests against the government.

Constitutional Changes

Curtailing Power of Judiciary: The government made amendments ensuring that elections of key positions like Prime Minister couldn’t be challenged in court.

• Extending Legislative Terms: The 42nd Amendment extended duration of legislatures from five to six years, among other changes.

Lessons from Emergency

Democracy’s Resilience: The Emergency highlighted that though India’s democracy can be tested, it’s hard to eliminate.

• Constitutional Clarifications: Post-emergency provisions were modified to ensure more stringent conditions for declaring an internal emergency.
• Value of Civil Liberties: The Emergency underscored the importance of civil liberties, prompting the judiciary and various organizations to actively protect them thereafter.

Lingering Issues

Tensions in a Democracy: The balance between democratic governance and political protests remains an area of contention.

• Shadow of Authoritarianism: The Emergency showcased how the police and administration could be co-opted for political ends, an issue persisting beyond the Emergency period.

Politics After the Emergency

Lessons from Emergency and 1977 Elections

• Elections Announcement: The Emergency’s end brought the announcement of Lok Sabha elections.
• Referendum on Emergency: The 1977 elections in north India became a referendum on Emergency.
• Rejection of Emergency: The public’s verdict was overwhelmingly against Emergency, reinforcing the strength of India’s democratic foundations.
  • The lesson drawn was clear, that is, the governments viewed as anti-democratic, face harsh repercussions from voters.

Lok Sabha Elections, 1977 Overview

• Post-Emergency Elections: In January 1977, following 18 months of Emergency, elections were declared.
  • Primary opposition parties formed Janata Party under Jayaprakash Narayan’s leadership.
  • Congress leaders opposing the Emergency also joined the Janata Party.
  • The election centered around Emergency’s undemocratic nature and related excesses.
• Victory of Janta Party: Janata Party and its allies won a clear majority, claiming 330 out of 542 seats. The Congress managed to win only 154 seats. 
  • Congress faced severe losses in north India, including significant defeats for Indira Gandhi and Sanjay Gandhi.
• Congress Retains Strength: However, Congress maintained a stronghold in states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Orissa, and dominated southern India.

Janata Party Government

Internal Divisions: The Janata Party’s post-election scenario was marked by internal divisions. 

• Morarji Desai was chosen as Prime Minister, (Refer to Figures 6.7 and 6.8) but leadership struggles persisted.
• Critics opined that the Janata Party lacked a clear direction, leadership, and cohesive program.
• Following internal conflicts, the Janata Party split, leading to another election in January 1980, where the Congress, led by Indira Gandhi, returned to power with a commanding majority. (Refer to Figure 6.9 and 6.10)

Legacy

The period post-1977 witnessed significant shifts in Indian politics. The Congress evolved into a more ideologically driven party under Indira Gandhi’s leadership, emphasizing socialism and pro-poor policies.

• A United Front: Opposition parties united under ‘non-Congressism’ and sought to prevent a split in non-Congress vote.
• Affirmative Action: The welfare of the backward castes became a dominant political theme post-1977, with Mandal Commission being a significant development.
• Democracy Under Strain: Emergency and its surrounding events highlighted both constitutional and political crises in India.
• Protests and Parliament: A significant debate emerged around the role of mass protests within a parliamentary democracy, indicating a potential tension between institution-driven democracy and spontaneous popular participation.

Notable Leaders and Their Work

Key Figures	Details
Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan (JP) (1902-1979)	In his early years, Jayaprakash Narayan was a fervent Marxist and laid the foundation as the general secretary of both the Congress Socialist Party and the Socialist Party.  Recognized as a hero for his significant role in the 1942 Quit India movement, he declined an invitation to join Nehru’s cabinet.  Post 1955, he distanced himself from active politics, embracing Gandhian principles.  He played a pivotal role in the Bhoodan movement, undertook negotiations with the Naga rebels, led a peace initiative in Kashmir, and orchestrated the surrender of dacoits in Chambal.  As a leader of the Bihar movement, he symbolized the opposition to the Emergency and was instrumental in the formation of the Janata Party.
Morarji Desai (1896-1995)	Morarji Desai was a distinguished freedom fighter and a fervent Gandhian leader. He ardently promoted Khadi, naturopathy, and prohibition.  His leadership skills were evident when he served as the Chief Minister of Bombay State and later as the Deputy Prime Minister from 1967 to 1969.  After the Congress party split, he joined the Congress (O) faction. In 1977, he achieved the pinnacle of his political career, becoming the Prime Minister and the first to be from a non-Congress party.
Chaudhary Charan Singh (1902-1987)	Chaudhary Charan Singh, a revered freedom fighter, was deeply ingrained in Uttar Pradesh’s politics. A staunch advocate for the advancement of rural and agricultural sectors, he left the Congress party in 1967 to establish the Bharatiya Kranti Dal.  His leadership acumen shone through as he became the Chief Minister of U.P. twice.  Later, he was a cornerstone in the formation of the Janata Party in 1977, where he assumed the roles of Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister between 1977 and 1979.  He is also credited as the founder of Lok Dal.
Jagjivan Ram (1908–1986)	Jagjivan Ram, a prominent freedom fighter, emerged as a key Congress leader from Bihar.  His political journey was marked by several milestones, including serving as the Deputy Prime Minister of India from 1977 to 1979 and being a continuous Member of Parliament from 1952 until his passing.  He made significant contributions as the Labour Minister in India’s first ministry after independence and took on multiple ministerial roles from 1952 to 1977.  Besides his political endeavours, he was known for his scholarly pursuits and exceptional administrative skills.

Conclusion

Crises of democratic order in India during late 1960s and 1970s stand as a profound lesson on vulnerabilities and strengths of India’s democratic fabric. The period, characterized by the dominance of the Congress party, declaration of Emergency, and its eventual aftermath, is reflective of the nation’s evolving political dynamics. The steadfastness of India’s democratic institutions, undying spirit of its citizenry to protect civil liberties, and roles of notable leaders during this period have sculpted the political discourse in the years that followed. As India continues to evolve, these events serve as a poignant reminder of the need for vigilance, participation, and commitment to democratic values.

Timeline

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