How did the Emergency (1975-77) impact India's democratic institutions, and political landscape? (Answer in 150 words)
Introduction
12 words
Main Body
India Gandhi signed declaration of Emergency to counteract "internal disturbance" in 1975.
It had a profound effect on democratic landscape:
① Fundamental rights such as right to protection against arrest/detention were suspended
Led to mass arrests.
② Parliament was supreme over state bodies
Promoted "rule by decree"
③ Forced sterilizations violated bodily autonomy and human rights of citizens
Led to widespread suffering
④ Censorship of public media such as press undermined democratic accountability.
Impact on political landscape:
① Arrest of leaders that dissented led to suppression of opposition
② Countracted judicial rulings nullifying Indira Gandhi's elections → violated supremacy of constitution
③ Press was used to spread propaganda and manipulate public opinion.
The Emergency established a unitary all-powerful govt at centre and led to Indira Gandhi's poster in 1977 elections.
— Varun Tokas · AIR 117
Conclusion
18 words
- Clear structural organization
- Addresses both democratic and political impacts
- Specific examples provided
- Good concluding statement
- Synthesis of impacts
- Clear conclusion
Varun Tokas
Post-independence Consolidation and Reorganization within the country
Democratic Institutions and Political Landscape
Emergency Period Impact (1975-1977)
163
Total words
5
Paragraphs
structured and analytical
Tone