On which of the following dates the President of India, using his powers,declared by proclamation that a grave emergency existed where the security of India was threatened by internal disturbance ?

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Accepted Answer

C. 25 June, 1975. Background of the 1975 Emergency In India's history, a National Emergency has been declared three times: 1. 1962 – due to the China War (due to external aggression) 2. 1971 – due to the Indo-Pak War 3. 1975 – due to internal disturbance The third Emergency is considered the most controversial and historically significant. Declaration of Emergency Date: June 25, 1975 President who declared: Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Prime Minister: Indira Gandhi Constitutional provision: Article 352 (1) – "Serious threat to the security of India from internal disturbance" Reason cited: Internal disturbance and instability in the country pose a threat to national security The President made this declaration on the advice of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Events Leading to the Emergency Judicial Challenge: ■ On June 12, 1975, the Allahabad High Court declared Indira Gandhi's Lok Sabha membership illegal. ■ The court barred her from holding any constitutional post for six years. ■ This decision came in the Raj Narain vs. Indira Gandhi case. Political Protests and Mass Movements: ■ Jayaprakash Narayan (JP Movement) gave the slogan of "Total Revolution" and demanded Indira Gandhi's resignation. ■ Massive student movements, labor strikes, and opposition unity were observed. ■ Anarchy and administrative instability spread across the country. Government Response: ■ Indira Gandhi declared the situation a "threat to national security." ■ On the night of June 25, the President declared a state of emergency. Major Actions During the Emergency Suspension of Fundamental Rights: ■ Article 19 (freedom of expression, association, etc.) was suspended. ■ Under Article 359, the enforcement of fundamental rights in courts was prohibited. Arrest of Opposition Leaders: PYQ’s Solution English 2 ■ Over 60,000 political activists and opposition leaders were arrested. ■ Prominent among them were Jayaprakash Narayan, Morarji Desai, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L.K. Advani, Chandrashekhar, etc. Press Censorship: ■ Newspapers were strictly monitored and censored. ■ Publishing opposition news was banned. ■ Newspapers like the "Indian Express" and "Statesman" were warned. Constitutional Amendments: ■ The 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976) was passed. ■ Under this, the government increased the powers of Parliament and the Prime Minister and limited the independence of the judiciary. Forced Sterilization Campaign: ■ A controversial family planning program launched by Sanjay Gandhi. ■ Numerous cases of forced sterilization were reported under this program. End of Emergency Declaration End Date: March 21, 1977 Duration: Approximately 21 months (June 25, 1975 – March 21, 1977) President: Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed (also passed away during this period) New Elections: Lok Sabha elections were held in March 1977. Results: The Congress Party suffered a crushing defeat. The Janata Party formed the government at the Centre for the first time. Morarji Desai became India's first non-Congress Prime Minister. Constitutional and Judicial Review ADM Jabalpur v. Shivkant Shukla (1976): ■ The Supreme Court held that citizens did not have the right to habeas corpus (judicial protection) during an Emergency. ■ This decision was later widely criticized. 44th Constitutional Amendment (1978): ■ The Janata government introduced reforms to prevent the recurrence of the Emergency: ■ The words "Internal Disturbance" were removed and "Armed Rebellion" was added. ■ A State of Emergency could now be imposed only on the written recommendation of the Cabinet. ■ Civil rights were given stronger protection.