NCERT Class 12 Political Science Politics in India Since Independence: Chapter 6 — The Crisis of Democratic Order
This chapter delves into the critical phase of India's democratic history between 1973 and 1975, focusing on the imposition of the 'Emergency' in June 1975. It explores the reasons behind the Emergency, its practical implications, and its consequences on party politics. The chapter examines the background, including the political polarization and tensions between the government and the judiciary following the 1971 elections. It also highlights the economic context, marked by the 'garibi hatao' slogan, the strain from the Bangladesh crisis and war with Pakistan, rising inflation, low industrial growth, high unemployment, and agricultural decline due to failed monsoons. The chapter questions the necessity and lessons of the Emergency for Indian democracy.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | Political Science |
| Book | Politics in India Since Independence |
| Chapter | Chapter 6 — The Crisis of Democratic Order |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 571 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the context and reasons for the imposition of the Emergency in India.
- Analyze the economic and political factors contributing to the crisis.
- Evaluate the impact of the Emergency on democratic institutions and party politics.
- Identify the controversies and lessons learned from this period for Indian democracy.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Imposition | the act of introducing a new law or tax |
| Internal disturbance | disorder or unrest within a country |
| Censored | to examine books, movies, etc. and to remove anything considered offensive |
| Polarised | divided into sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions or beliefs |
| Parliamentary supremacy | the principle that Parliament's laws are the highest form of law in a country |
| Inflation | a general increase in prices and fall in the purchasing value of money |
| Agricultural productivity | the ratio of agricultural output to the amount of input used |
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Practice questions
- What was the main slogan given by the Congress in the elections of 1971? Answer: The slogan was 'garibi hatao' (remove poverty).
- What were some of the economic challenges faced by India during this period? Answer: Challenges included the strain from the Bangladesh crisis and war, increased oil prices leading to high inflation, low industrial growth, high unemployment, and a decline in agricultural productivity.
- What led to dissatisfaction among government employees? Answer: The government froze the salaries of its employees in order to reduce expenditure.
- What action was taken by some newspapers in protest against the Emergency? Answer: Some newspapers left the editorial space blank as a form of protest.
Practice MCQs
Q1. The 'emergency' in India was imposed in which year?
Explanation: The Emergency was imposed in June 1975 due to perceived internal disturbances.
Q2. Which event put a heavy strain on India's economy around 1971-72?
Explanation: The Bangladesh crisis, involving a large influx of refugees, significantly strained India's economy.
Q3. What was the approximate percentage increase in prices in 1973?
Explanation: Prices increased by 23 per cent in 1973 and 30 per cent in 1974, causing hardship.
Q4. The Supreme Court found many government initiatives to be violative of which document?
Explanation: The Supreme Court's rulings were seen as challenging government initiatives that it deemed violative of the Constitution.
Q5. What was the consequence of the 1977 Lok Sabha elections?
Explanation: The Emergency ended dramatically, leading to the defeat of the Congress party in the 1977 Lok Sabha elections.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main topic of Chapter 6 of Politics in India Since Independence?
Chapter 6, 'The Crisis of Democratic Order', focuses on the imposition of the Emergency in India in 1975, its causes, consequences, and implications for Indian democracy.
Why was the Emergency imposed in India in 1975?
The Emergency was imposed due to a perceived threat of internal disturbance, amidst political polarization and tensions between the government and the judiciary.
What economic factors contributed to the crisis leading to the Emergency?
Economic factors included the strain from the Bangladesh crisis and war, rising inflation due to increased oil prices, low industrial growth, high unemployment, and a decline in agricultural output.
What was the reaction of some newspapers to the Emergency?
Some newspapers protested by leaving their editorial pages blank, which was an act of defiance against the censorship imposed during the Emergency.
What happened to the Congress party after the Emergency ended?
The Congress party suffered a defeat in the Lok Sabha elections held in 1977, following the end of the Emergency.
What key questions does the chapter raise about the Emergency?
The chapter raises questions about why the Emergency was imposed, its necessity, its practical implications, its impact on party politics, and its lessons for Indian democracy.
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NCERT Class 12 Political Science — Politics in India Since Independence — Chapter 6 — The Crisis of Democratic Order. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.