31.

Why is emergency considered to be one of the most controversial episodes

in Indian politics? Analyse any three reasons.

Due to the following reasons the emergency became controversial.

(i) The Constitution simply mentioned internal disturbance as the reason for declaring emergency. Before 1975 emergency was never proclaimed on this ground.

(ii) People had the right to politically protest against the government. The Bihar and Gujarat agitation were mostly peaceful and non-violent. Those who were arrested were never tried for any anti-national activity.

(iii) The Home ministry, which is entrusted with the responsibility of
monitoring the external situation of the country, also did not express any concern about the law and order situation in the country.

(iv) There was no need to suspend democratic functioning and use draconian measures like the emergency.