Which one of the following is not a lesson of the Emergency?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → It amended the Constitution and added a provision for state repression.
Option (1) It is not easy to do away with democracy in India. A lesson (Incorrect).
Option (2) It brought out some ambiguities regarding the Emergency provision ... A lesson (Incorrect).
Option (3) It strengthened the value of civil liberties. A lesson (Incorrect).
Option (4) It amended the Constitution and added a provision for state repression. Not a lesson (Correct). The Emergency provision was in fact tightened afterwards: an internal Emergency can now be proclaimed only on the ground of ‘armed rebellion’, on the Cabinet’s written advice.
NCERT (2025-26): “Lessons of the Emergency The Emergency at once brought out both the weaknesses and the strengths of India’s democracy. Though there are many observers who think that India ceased to be democratic during the Emergency, it is noteworthy that normal democratic functioning resumed within a short span of time. Thus, one lesson of Emergency is that it is extremely difficult to do away with democracy in India. Secondly, it brought out some ambiguities regarding the Emergency provision in the Constitution that have been rectified since. Now, ‘internal’ Emergency can be proclaimed only on the grounds of ‘armed rebellion’ and it is necessary that the advice to the President to proclaim Emergency must be given in writing by the Union Cabinet. Thirdly, the Emergency made everyone more aware of the value of civil liberties. …” |