The various causes of the Emergency were:

(i) There was conflict between the Executive and the Judiciary whereby the government wanted the loyalty of Courts to them rather than the constitution.

(ii) The Allahabad High Court had revoked the election of Indira Gandhi whereby she was no longer a Member of Parliament and could not continue as Prime Minister.

(iii) The opposition had begun to conduct mass movements against the government and the mood of the nation was turning against the government. J.P. Narayan had conducted huge protests outside the Indian parliament and there rise in agitation across India such as the railway strike.

(iv) The Indira Gandhi government asserted that it desired to pursue welfare schemes and bring law and order to the nation and for this, the Emergency was implemented.

(v) There has been a rise in inflation and unemployment. There were students’ protests in various parts of India such as Bihar and Gujarat.

(vi) Congress had received multiple defeats in State assembly elections across India. The opposition had begun to form alliances and coalitions and gather the support of the people. The government misused the provision of President’s rule. This led to conflict between the Centre and States.

OR

Circumstances that led to imposition of emergency:

(i) Clash between the executive (government) and judiciary.

(ii) Rising prices and lower growth rate.

(iii) Railway strike led by Gorge Fernandes.

(iv) A big rally at Ram Lila Maidan and call to the employees including police/ army not to obey the undemocratic orders.

(v) Students’ movements in Bihar and Gujarat against price rise and corruption.

(vi) Judgement of Allahabad High Court setting aside the election of Indira Gandhi.