The Crisis of Democratic Order PYQs
From: June 17 Shift 3. 2023.
Question: Who among the following was the symbol of opposition to emergency, a gandhian, Leader of Bihar movement and a moving force behind the formation of Janata Party.
Options:
1. Charu Majumdar
2. Morarji Desai
3. George Fernandes
4. Jayaprakash Narayan
● Answer: (4) Jayaprakash Narayan
● Explanation: Jayaprakash (JP) Narayan was a prominent Gandhian leader who spearheaded the student movement in Bihar, which later evolved into a nationwide movement against the perceived corruption and authoritarianism of the Congress government. He became the leading figure of the opposition to the Emergency and was pivotal in unifying various opposition parties to form the Janata Party, which contested and won the 1977 elections.
Question: Which prominent leader of Congress (O) announced that he would go an indefinite fast if assembly elections were not held in Gujarat in 1975??
● Options:
1. Jaya Prakash Narayan
2. Atal Behari Vajpayee
3. Morarji Desai
4. Raj Narain
● Answer: (3) Morarji Desai
● Explanation: The Nav Nirman movement in Gujarat, initiated by students against corruption and economic issues, gained significant momentum. Morarji Desai, a senior leader of the opposition party Congress (O), lent his support to the movement and went on an indefinite fast demanding the dissolution of the state assembly and the holding of fresh elections. His protest was a key factor that pressured the government to hold assembly elections in Gujarat in June 1975.
From: June 19 Shift 3. 2023
Question : A Hindi writer awarded with Padam Shri, returned his award in protest against the suspension of democracy. The writer was:
Options:
1. Shivarama Karanth
2. Giriraj Kishore
3. Fanishwarnath Renu
4. Jainendra Kumar
● Answer: (3) Fanishwarnath Renu
● Explanation: The imposition of the Emergency led to widespread protests from various sections of society, including the artistic and literary community. Fanishwarnath Renu, a celebrated Hindi writer, returned his Padma Shri award to protest the suspension of democratic rights and freedoms. Similarly, Kannada writer Shivarama Karanth also returned his Padma Bhushan award.
Question: Under which Article the President of India can impose Emergency on ground of internal disturbances and external threats ?
Options:
1. 1
2. 152
3. 352
4. 286
● Answer: (3) 352
● Explanation: Article 352 of the Indian Constitution empowers the President to declare a National Emergency if there is a grave threat to the security of India or any part of its territory, whether by war, external aggression, or internal disturbance. The Emergency in 1975 was controversially declared on the basis of ‘internal disturbance’. The 44th Amendment Act later changed the term ‘internal disturbance’ to ‘armed rebellion’.
Question: Which of the following statements is correct?
Options:
1. The shah commission was appointed in 1977
2. The Railway strike took place in 1975
3. General elections took place in 1976
4. BSP formed the Govt. in 1977
● Answer: (1) The shah commission was appointed in 1977
● Explanation: It appointed a Commission headed by Justice J.C. Shah; a retired Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India was appointed by Janata Party in 1977. The commission was established to investigate the excesses, abuse of authority, and malpractices committed during the Emergency period.
From: July 2 Shift 3. 2023
Question: Match List I with List II
● List I A. Shah Commission of Inquiry B. Lok Sabha Elections C. Emergency D. Railway Strake
● List II I. May, 1977 II. January, 1977 III. June, 1975 IV. May, 1974
● Options:
1. A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV
2. A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-I
3. A-III, B-IV, C-I, D-II
4. A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I
● Answer: 1. A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV
● Explanation:
○ The Shah Commission of Inquiry was appointed in May 1977.
○ The Lok Sabha Elections were announced in January 1977.
○ The Emergency was declared in June 1975.
○ The nationwide Railway Strike took place in May 1974.
Question: In which year, the employees of the Railways went on a strike against the government for their demands related to Bonus and Service conditions.
● Options:
1. June 1974
2. May 1976
3. July 1974
4. May 1974
● Answer: 4. May 1974
● Explanation: In May 1974, a major nationwide railway strike was organized to demand better service conditions and a bonus for railway employees. The strike, led by George Fernandes, lasted for about three weeks and was a significant political event in the period leading up to the Emergency.
From: CUET UG 2024
Question: In 1974, a nationwide strike by all the employees of the Railways was led by which of the following leaders?
● Options:
1. Jayaprakash Narayan
2. Charu Majumdar
3. George Fernandes
4. Indira Gandhi
● Answer: (3) George Fernandes
● Explanation: George Fernandes, as the president of the All India Railwaymen’s Federation, was the main leader of the 1974 railway strike. This strike was a significant event that demonstrated the growing unrest against the government’s policies.
Multiple-choice questions based on the chapter “The Crisis of Democratic Order,” for practice
1. When was the Emergency imposed in India due to perceived internal disturbance?
a) June 1971
b) January 1974
c) June 1975
d) March 1977
2. What was the primary reason cited for the imposition of Emergency in June 1975?
a) External aggression
b) Natural disaster
c) Perceived threat of internal disturbance
d) Economic growth
3. Which slogan was given by the Congress in the 1971 elections?
a) Sampoorna Kranti
b) Garibi Hatao
c) Save Democracy
d) Indira is India
4. What was the approximate percentage increase in prices in 1974, as mentioned in the economic context leading to the Emergency?
a) 8 percent
b) 23 percent
c) 30 percent
d) 35 percent
5. Which Marxist-Leninist groups were particularly strong in West Bengal and adopted insurgent techniques?
a) Socialist Party
b) Bharatiya Jana Sangh
c) Naxalites
d) Congress (0)
6. The students’ agitation in Gujarat in January 1974 was against which issues?
a) Unemployment and food scarcity
b) Rising prices and corruption
c) Lack of civil liberties and press censorship
d) Government’s foreign policy
7. Who led the student movement in Bihar, which later assumed a political character and national appeal?
a) Morarji Desai
b) George Fernandes
c) Jayaprakash Narayan
d) Indira Gandhi
8. What was the main demand of Jayaprakash Narayan’s ‘total revolution’ in Bihar?
a) Increased industrial growth
b) Dismissal of the Bihar Congress government and establishment of true democracy
c) Withdrawal of US aid to India
d) Holding fresh elections in Gujarat only
9. Who led the nationwide strike by Railway employees in May 1974?
a) Jayaprakash Narayan
b) Morarji Desai
c) George Fernandes
d) Jagjivan Ram
10. What was the Supreme Court’s decision in the Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973) regarding the Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution?
a) Parliament can amend any part of the Constitution without limitations. 194
b) Parliament cannot abridge Fundamental Rights and cannot amend basic features of the Constitution. 195
c) Parliament can curtail the right to property but not other Fundamental Rights. 196
d) Parliament can amend Fundamental Rights to give effect to Directive Principles.
11. Who was appointed as the Chief Justice of India in 1973, superseding three senior judges, a move that became politically controversial?
a) Justice H. R. Khanna
b) Justice J. C. Shah
c) Justice A. N. Ray
d) Justice Jagmohan Lal Sinha
12. On what date did Justice Jagmohan Lal Sinha of the Allahabad High Court declare Indira Gandhi’s election to the Lok Sabha invalid?
a) June 25, 1975
b) June 12, 1975
c) April 1976
d) March 1977
13. Who filed the election petition challenging Indira Gandhi’s election in 1971?
a) Morarji Desai
b) Jayaprakash Narayan
c) Raj Narain
d) George Fernandes
14. What was the primary ground for challenging Indira Gandhi’s election in the Allahabad High Court?
a) Violation of election expenditure limits
b) Use of government servants in her election campaign
c) Filing of false nomination papers
d) Inciting internal disturbance
15. What was the Supreme Court’s partial stay on the Allahabad High Court order for Indira Gandhi on June 24, 1975?
a) She could not remain an MP but could continue as Prime Minister.
b) She could remain an MP but could not take part in Lok Sabha proceedings.
c) Her election was completely validated, and she could resume all duties.
d) She had to resign immediately from all posts.
16. Where did the opposition political parties led by Jayaprakash Narayan organize a massive demonstration on June 25, 1975, pressing for Indira Gandhi’s resignation?
a) Parliament House
b) Mumbai’s Shivaji Park
c) Delhi’s Ramlila grounds
d) Lucknow’s Hazaratganj
17. Which article of the Constitution was invoked by the government to declare the state of Emergency on June 25, 1975?
a) Article 21
b) Article 32
c) Article 352
d) Article 356
18. What happens to the federal distribution of powers and Fundamental Rights during a proclaimed Emergency in India?
a) Federal distribution of powers strengthens, Fundamental Rights are expanded.
b) Federal distribution of powers remains unchanged, Fundamental Rights are partially suspended.
c) Federal distribution of powers is practically suspended, and Fundamental Rights are curtailed or restricted.
d) Only state governments gain more power, while fundamental rights are unaffected.
19. What is ‘press censorship’ during the Emergency, as described in the text?
a) Government encouraging free and open reporting by newspapers.
b) Newspapers being asked to get prior approval for all material to be published.
c) Journalists being awarded for their critical reporting.
d) Suspension of freedom of speech for citizens.
20. Which two organizations were banned by the government during the Emergency, apprehending social and communal disharmony?
a) Indian National Congress and Janata Party
b) Bharatiya Jana Sangh and Socialist Party
c) Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Jamait-e-Islami
d) National Coordination Committee for Railwaymen’s Struggle and Bhoodan Movement
21. What was the impact of the Emergency on the right of citizens to move the Court for restoring their Fundamental Rights?
a) The right was expanded, allowing easier access to courts.
b) The right remained unaffected, guaranteeing judicial review.
c) The right stood suspended, closing the doors of the judiciary for citizens.
d) Only the right to life and liberty was suspended, not the right to move the court.
22. What is ‘preventive detention’ as extensively used by the government during the Emergency?
a) Detention of individuals after they have committed a crime.
b) Arrest and detention of people on the apprehension that they may commit an offense.
c) Temporary detention for questioning purposes only.
d) Detention based on a court order after a full trial.
23. What was the significance of the Supreme Court’s judgment in April 1976 regarding habeas corpus petitions during the Emergency?
a) It upheld the High Courts’ judgments allowing habeas corpus petitions.
b) It ruled that citizens could challenge their detention, even without knowing the grounds.
c) It overruled the High Courts and accepted the government’s plea, meaning the right to life and liberty could be taken away.
d) It restored all Fundamental Rights to citizens during the Emergency.
24. How did some newspapers like the Indian Express and the Statesman protest against censorship during the Emergency?
a) By publishing defiant editorials against the government.
b) By organizing public demonstrations and strikes.
c) By leaving blank spaces where news items had been censored.
d) By shutting down their operations completely.
25. Which amendment was passed during the Emergency that extended the duration of legislatures from five to six years?
a) 24th Amendment
b) 42nd Amendment
c) 44th Amendment
d) 52nd Amendment
26. According to the chapter, what was one significant lesson of the Emergency regarding democracy in India?
a) Democracy in India is fragile and easily dismantled.
b) It is extremely difficult to do away with democracy in India.
c) The judiciary should always be subservient to the executive.
d) Civil liberties are not essential for a functioning democracy.
27. What change was made to the Emergency provision in the Constitution after 1977 regarding ‘internal’ Emergency?
a) It can now be proclaimed on grounds of ‘economic instability’ only.
b) It can now be proclaimed only on the grounds of ‘armed rebellion’ and with written advice from the Union Cabinet.
c) The President can declare it at will without cabinet advice.
d) It was completely removed from the Constitution.
28. What was the main slogan of the opposition parties in the 1977 Lok Sabha elections?
a) Garibi Hatao
b) Sampoorna Kranti
c) Save Democracy
d) India is Indira
29. Which new party was formed by the major opposition parties on the eve of the 1977 elections?
a) Congress (O)
b) Bharatiya Lok Dal
c) Janata Party
d) Congress for Democracy
30. Who became the Prime Minister after the Janata Party came to power in the 1977 elections?
a) Jayaprakash Narayan
b) Charan Singh
c) Morarji Desai
d) Jagjivan Ram
Answers with Explanations
1. When was the Emergency imposed in India due to perceived internal disturbance?
○ Correct Answer: c) June 1975
○ Explanation: The Emergency was imposed in June 1975 due to perceived internal disturbance, following significant political developments.
2. What was the primary reason cited for the imposition of Emergency in June 1975?
○ Correct Answer: c) Perceived threat of internal disturbance
○ Explanation: The government imposed the Emergency based on the perceived threat of internal disturbance, as stated in the chapter.
3. Which slogan was given by the Congress in the 1971 elections?
○ Correct Answer: b) Garibi Hatao
○ Explanation: The Congress had given the slogan of ‘garibi hatao’ (remove poverty) in the 1971 elections.
4. What was the approximate percentage increase in prices in 1974, as mentioned in the economic context leading to the Emergency?
○ Correct Answer: c) 30 percent
○ Explanation: Prices increased by 30 percent in 1974, leading to significant hardship.
5. Which Marxist-Leninist groups were particularly strong in West Bengal and adopted insurgent techniques?
○ Correct Answer: c) Naxalites
○ Explanation: Known as Marxist-Leninist (now Maoist) groups or Naxalites, they were strong in West Bengal and used insurgent techniques.
6. The students’ agitation in Gujarat in January 1974 was against which issues?
○ Correct Answer: b) Rising prices and corruption
○ Explanation: Students in Gujarat started an agitation against rising prices of food grains, cooking oil, and other essential commodities, and against corruption in high places.
7. Who led the student movement in Bihar, which later assumed a political character and national appeal?
○ Correct Answer: c) Jayaprakash Narayan
○ Explanation: Jayaprakash Narayan (JP) was invited to lead the student movement in Bihar, which became known for his call for ‘total revolution.’
8. What was the main demand of Jayaprakash Narayan’s ‘total revolution’ in Bihar?
○ Correct Answer: b) Dismissal of the Bihar Congress government and establishment of true democracy
○ Explanation: Jayaprakash Narayan demanded the dismissal of the Congress government in Bihar and called for total revolution in social, economic, and political spheres to establish true democracy.
9. Who led the nationwide strike by Railway employees in May 1974?
○ Correct Answer: c) George Fernandes
○ Explanation: The National Coordination Committee for Railwaymen’s Struggle was led by George Fernandes.
10. What was the Supreme Court’s decision in the Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973) regarding the Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution?
○ Correct Answer: b) Parliament cannot abridge Fundamental Rights and cannot amend basic features of the Constitution.
○ Explanation: The Court ruled that Parliament cannot abridge Fundamental Rights and that there are some basic features of the Constitution that cannot be amended.
11. Who was appointed as the Chief Justice of India in 1973, superseding three senior judges, a move that became politically controversial?
○ Correct Answer: c) Justice A. N. Ray
○ Explanation: Justice A. N. Ray was appointed Chief Justice of India in 1973, setting aside the seniority of three judges, which caused controversy.
12. On what date did Justice Jagmohan Lal Sinha of the Allahabad High Court declare Indira Gandhi’s election to the Lok Sabha invalid?
○ Correct Answer: b) June 12, 1975
○ Explanation: Justice Jagmohan Lal Sinha passed the judgment declaring Indira Gandhi’s election invalid on June 12, 1975.
13. Who filed the election petition challenging Indira Gandhi’s election in 1971?
○ Correct Answer: c) Raj Narain
○ Explanation: The election petition was filed by Raj Narain, a socialist leader who had contested against Indira Gandhi in 1971.
14. What was the primary ground for challenging Indira Gandhi’s election in the Allahabad High Court?
○ Correct Answer: b) Use of government servants in her election campaign
○ Explanation: Indira Gandhi’s election was challenged on the ground that she had used the services of government servants in her election campaign.
15. What was the Supreme Court’s partial stay on the Allahabad High Court order for Indira Gandhi on June 24, 1975?
○ Correct Answer: b) She could remain an MP but could not take part in Lok Sabha proceedings.
○ Explanation: The Supreme Court granted a partial stay, allowing her to remain an MP but not participate in Lok Sabha proceedings until her appeal was decided.
16. Where did the opposition political parties led by Jayaprakash Narayan organize a massive demonstration on June 25, 1975, pressing for Indira Gandhi’s resignation?
○ Correct Answer: c) Delhi’s Ramlila grounds
○ Explanation: A massive demonstration was organized in Delhi’s Ramlila grounds on June 25, 1975.
17. Which article of the Constitution was invoked by the government to declare the state of Emergency on June 25, 1975?
○ Correct Answer: c) Article 352
○ Explanation: The government invoked Article 352 of the Constitution to declare the state of emergency.
18. What happens to the federal distribution of powers and Fundamental Rights during a proclaimed Emergency in India?
○ Correct Answer: c) Federal distribution of powers is practically suspended, and Fundamental Rights are curtailed or restricted.
○ Explanation: Once an Emergency is proclaimed, the federal distribution of powers is practically suspended, and the government gets the power to curtail or restrict Fundamental Rights.
19. What is ‘press censorship’ during the Emergency, as described in the text?
○ Correct Answer: b) Newspapers being asked to get prior approval for all material to be published.
○ Explanation: Press censorship during the Emergency meant newspapers were required to obtain prior approval for all published material.
20. Which two organizations were banned by the government during the Emergency, apprehending social and communal disharmony?
○ Correct Answer: c) Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Jamait-e-Islami
○ Explanation: The government banned Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Jamait-e-Islami during the Emergency.
21. What was the impact of the Emergency on the right of citizens to move the Court for restoring their Fundamental Rights?
○ Correct Answer: c) The right stood suspended, closing the doors of the judiciary for citizens.
○ Explanation: Under Emergency provisions, the Fundamental Rights of citizens stood suspended, including the right to move the Court for their restoration. The Supreme Court’s judgment further closed the doors of the judiciary.
22. What is ‘preventive detention’ as extensively used by the government during the Emergency?
○ Correct Answer: b) Arrest and detention of people on the apprehension that they may commit an offense.
○ Explanation: Preventive detention involves arresting and detaining individuals not for committing an offense, but on the apprehension that they may commit one.
23. What was the significance of the Supreme Court’s judgment in April 1976 regarding habeas corpus petitions during the Emergency?
○ Correct Answer: c) It overruled the High Courts and accepted the government’s plea, meaning the right to life and liberty could be taken away.
○ Explanation: The Supreme Court overruled the High Courts, accepted the government’s plea, and this judgment meant that during the Emergency, the government could take away the citizen’s right to life and liberty.
24. How did some newspapers like the Indian Express and the Statesman protest against censorship during the Emergency?
○ Correct Answer: c) By leaving blank spaces where news items had been censored.
○ Explanation: Newspapers like the Indian Express and the Statesman protested censorship by leaving blank spaces where news items had been censored.
25. Which amendment was passed during the Emergency that extended the duration of legislatures from five to six years?
○ Correct Answer: b) 42nd Amendment
○ Explanation: The Forty-second Amendment was passed during the Emergency, and among its changes, the duration of legislatures was extended from five to six years.
26. According to the chapter, what was one significant lesson of the Emergency regarding democracy in India?
○ Correct Answer: b) It is extremely difficult to do away with democracy in India.
○ Explanation: One lesson of the Emergency is that it is extremely difficult to do away with democracy in India, as normal democratic functioning resumed quickly.
27. What change was made to the Emergency provision in the Constitution after 1977 regarding ‘internal’ Emergency?
○ Correct Answer: b) It can now be proclaimed only on the grounds of ‘armed rebellion’ and with written advice from the Union Cabinet.
○ Explanation: After the Emergency, ‘internal’ Emergency can be proclaimed only on the grounds of ‘armed rebellion,’ and the advice to the President must be given in writing by the Union Cabinet.
28. What was the main slogan of the opposition parties in the 1977 Lok Sabha elections?
○ Correct Answer: c) Save Democracy
○ Explanation: The opposition fought the 1977 election on the slogan of ‘save democracy.’
29. Which new party was formed by the major opposition parties on the eve of the 1977 elections?
○ Correct Answer: c) Janata Party
○ Explanation: The major opposition parties came together and formed a new party known as the Janata Party on the eve of the 1977 elections.
30. Who became the Prime Minister after the Janata Party came to power in the 1977 elections?
○ Correct Answer: c) Morarji Desai
○ Explanation: Eventually, Morarji Desai became the Prime Minister after the Janata Party came to power in 1977.
