Question

Assertion (A): The declaration of National Emergency in India on June 25, 1975, brought about an extreme centralization of political power.
Reason (R): Under the constitutional provisions of an Emergency, the federal distribution of powers remains fully operational, and state assemblies function independently of central executive directives.

• A. \( \text{Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).} \)
• B. \( \text{Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).} \)
• C. \( \text{A) is true but (R) is false.} \)
• D. \( \text{A) is false but (R) is true.} \)

Hint:

If you spot an assertion or reason statement that contradicts basic NCERT political facts, you can skip checking the logical connection entirely. If (R) is false, Option (C) is automatically the only possible correct path.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Assertion-Reason questions require a two-step verification: first, check if each statement is factually true, and second, check if the "Reason" explains the "Assertion."
This question deals with Article 352 of the Indian Constitution and its impact on the federal structure.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Analyzing Assertion (A): On June 25, 1975, President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed declared an internal emergency.
This led to the suspension of fundamental rights, press censorship, and the arrest of opposition leaders.
The central government, specifically the Prime Minister's Office, took absolute control of all administrative functions.
Thus, the assertion that there was "extreme centralization" is factually and historically True.
2. Analyzing Reason (R): The statement claims federal distribution remains "fully operational" during an Emergency.
Constitutionally, this is False. Article 353 clearly states that during an Emergency, the executive power of the Union extends to giving directions to any state.
Parliament also gains the power to make laws on subjects listed in the "State List."
Essentially, the federal structure turns into a unitary structure. Thus, (R) is False.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Since (A) is true but (R) is false, the only possible correct option is (C).